Arturo Bandini (Farrell, Miami Vice) is an aspiring writer of Italian-American origin, who travels to the cultural melting pot of 1930s Los Angeles seeking fame, fortune and an escape from his roots.
Arriving in the city full of arrogant charm but tortured by his lack of experience, he attempts to write his first great novel but soon develops a serious case of writer’s block. Holed up in a dingy guesthouse he encounters the tragic and eccentric characters of the city, including a hopeless drunk and a cranky landlady.
With no novel and no money Arturo drops into a café to spend his last quarter on a cup of coffee and meets Camilla Lopez (Hayek, Frida), a fiery and beautiful Mexican waitress.
Irresistibly drawn to Camilla yet unable to overcome his prejudices, Arturo treats her with disdain and cruelty. A steamy and tempestuous courtship ensues as the two outsiders seek to escape the shame they feel at their last names and make their dreams come true.
