The writer is a special breed. The meager living accommodations, the lack of inspiration and that torturous need for the public's acceptance can lead many to give up. Robert Towne's adaptation of John Fante's respected "Ask the Dust" follows Arturo Bandini (Colin Farrell) -- a writer down to his last nickel in Los Angeles as well as his last shred of dignity -- to a small bar and the love of his life, Camilla Lopez (Salma Hayek).

However, the two can play hard-to-get with the best of them. Their interactions play out like children who push each other on the playground to show their fondness. But Arturo and Camilla play a rougher game often involving cruel jokes and racist slurs. He's a son of Italian immigrants and she's of Mexican descent, neither of which are truly acceptable to mainstream America in the early 1900s.

Both are trying to achieve their dreams, Arturo wants to be a famous writer with a beautiful woman on his arm and Camilla wants to rise in the ranks of social acceptability by leaving her heritage behind. Problems arise when they cannot work on themselves and be together without breaking back into that child's game.

Arturo spends his time watching the world around him, describing the gorgeous women he sees on the streets and the people who head to Los Angeles to die in the sun. His muse tends, more often than not, to be the palm tree outside of his hotel room window. His attitude wavers between highs and lows; he quickly goes from loving everyone and everything to a state of self-doubt and hate.

Vera (Idina Menzel) pops into the picture and gives Arturo perspective on how it all could be worse. She's a woman disfigured, both physically and mentally. She doesn't feel she has much to live for and she clings to the fact that he could be what she was looking for. He, although, still pines for Camilla.

His tryst with Vera leads him back to Camilla. The two head off to an oceanfront cottage where Arturo can write his novel and Camilla can be by his side. But their earlier problems arise along with new ones, threatening to drive them apart.

Towne's vision is beautiful, but not what you'd expect from the writer of "Chinatown." It's hard to feel anything for Arturo and Camilla. It's not as if a viewer would expect a perfect relationship, but it's hard to stomach the way they treat one another.

The seemingly nonexistent plot of "Ask the Dust" makes it slow and boring at times. Understandably, this is a movie about two subjects that take time: relationships and novel writing. The audience is left waiting, anticipating something will happen and it takes forever.

The character portrayals, however, are outstanding. It's hard for Hayek to be anything but beautiful and fiery in her roles. Farrell shows how talented he is despite his reputation. There is no hint of his Irish accent anywhere in the film.

Menzel, best known for her role as Elphaba in Broadway's "Wicked," steals the the movie even though her part is minimal. The layers of Vera are left on screen for the audience to peel apart. She's damaged, passionate and even child-like. Hopefully this bodes well for roles, which aren't only focused on her singing abilities because she is wonderful.

"Ask the Dust" opened Friday, March 24 at the Landmark Oriental Theatre.