One of my all-time favorite books will be getting the full silver screen treatment next year. Benjamin Bratt stars as Victor Castillo in Tan Like the Desert Sky.Describing TLDS is almost impossible. Based loosely on one man's true story, this novel is like life. It is tragic, but has more than a dash of comedy, muses on philosophy, contains a touch of farce, and splashes in a little irony.
Written by the notorious lothario Michael Zick, the sadly under-read TLDS follows the life of hapless protagonist Victor Castillo as fate buffets him across the years and landscape of the American Southwest. If you have ever appreciated the verbal paintings of Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop, then you have been prepared for the majesty of TLDS. Zick's unforgettable imagery was seared to my retinas: everything I looked at for hours seemed burnt sienna red.
The characters are more than memorable. They shift hauntingly between fully realized human figures and mythic archetypes. But each has an important impact on Victor's life, and shapes his destiny.
Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek cameo as Victor's parents. The mutilating car wreck that opens the novel will both shock and amaze you.
Cheech Marin will play the Dickensian Head Administrator at the brutal orphanage in which Victor grows-up
. Cameron Diaz will play the insightful Biology teacher who recognizes Victor's brilliance, and eventually teaches him the ways of love.
In a major casting coup, the entire Sheen clan, Martin, Charlie and Emilio Estevez will play the family of grifters that teach Victor how to survive the rough streets of El Paso.
Jack Black plays the grizzled vice cop who inadvertantly rescues victor from the clutches Penelope Cruz's harsh brothel bedroom.
Jessica Alba plays the angel who finally redeems Victor on his hospital bed as he lies dying of incurable syphillis.
Lou Diamond Philips will reprise the role that made him great as Ritchie Valens' ghost, a spirit guide who doles out advice to Victor whether he wants it or not. Prepare to dance La Bamba again!
This is going to be the best movie since Peter Jackson's King Kong remake!
13 comments:
Huh?
Whaddaya mean "huh?"
I introduce you folks to a classic novel of contemporary fiction, something that will enlarge and enrich your experience of the world and you post, "huh?" Philistines.
Tan Like The Desert Sky was not a commercial success when it first came out, but it received critical acclaim. Sadly, it is not currently in print, but that's why they made used bookstores.
I know it may seem odd that I would read serious fiction about the Latino community, but this gripped my imagination in an instant.
I'm really excited about the prospect of the movie, especially with such a distinguished cast.
Are the Sheen/Estevez clan members of the JF/ATB Club?
Shinobi.wind, you're making me ask what the H-E-double hockey sticks you're talking about:
JF/ATB?
This better be really funny. If it's a groaner, you will pay dearly.
How can I join the JF/ATB club?
Ah, yes, the JF/ATB club...
That has nothing at all to do with this post. Although Martin probably is a card carrying member.
I have been a member, in good standing, of the JF/ATB club since Persident Nixon made me go into Cambodia in December 1968. I remember it clearly.
Sen. Kerry, the real question is: Have you read Tan Like The Desert Sky? Are you eagerly waiting the movie, like I am? These are answers the American public desperately needs. Notg lame attempts to hijack a comment thread
Of course look foward to the artistic work of my Hollywood friends and I anxiously await the Movie with, as the french say, baited breath.
This movie sounds awesome! Just as long as it doesn't have subtitles.
Oh, it will be completely subtitled. There will be English subtitles when the language is Spanish, and Spanish when English is spoken. And I hear there will be an Aramaic track on the DVD.
Everyone knows that subtitles = serious filmmaking.
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You're right, not many people are willing to admit that they share my views.
Thank you for that non-sequitor of an affirmation. As an egoist on par with any self-respecting Blogger, I need the praise and admiration of untold hundreds -- if not thousands -- to make it through my mundane days. I needed that before being directed to your "Lost" discussion group.
Thanks for stopping by.
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