Canadian filmmaker Matt Johnson, just four days away from his wedding and eight days before commencing filming his upcoming movie, appeared relaxed during an interview at Toronto’s Revue Cinema with CBC News. The discussion centered around “Tony,” a highly anticipated biopic focusing on the early life of renowned chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain. Despite Bourdain’s posthumous acclaim following his tragic death in 2018, Johnson expressed comfort in portraying his story.
Initially, Johnson had no intention of creating a film about Bourdain, who transitioned from a line cook to an executive chef, bestselling author, and host of “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.” However, after meeting actor Dominic Sessa, who portrays Bourdain in the movie, Johnson was inspired to delve into their shared perspectives on various life issues.
Sessa, aged 23, was cast as the lead in the film, which draws from Bourdain’s early experiences detailed in his book “Kitchen Confidential.” The storyline revolves around one summer in Provincetown, Mass., where Bourdain worked as a chef for the first time. By focusing on Bourdain’s formative years, Johnson aimed to sidestep the pressure of depicting the more mature and established Bourdain that many viewers idolized.
“Tony” explores the complexities of Bourdain’s youth, including his relationships with family and peers as he navigated adulthood. Johnson emphasized that this approach made Bourdain’s story more relatable and insightful for his admirers. The film is set to premiere in Canadian theaters on August 14.
In a scene from “Tony,” Sessa, portraying a young Bourdain, is depicted learning under the mentorship of a chef in Provincetown, played by Antonio Banderas.