Cinema Scholars reviews the new Anthony Bourdain biopic, Tony. The film is directed by Matt Johnson and stars Dominic Sessa, Antonio Banderas, and Emilia Jones. A24 is releasing Tony in theaters nationwide on August 27.
Introduction
Some film biopics span a subject’s entire life. However, a new crop of snapshot memoirs has recently emerged, focusing on a pivotal moment in a person’s life rather than a traditional biography. From A Complete Unknown and Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere to the recently released Michael, the focus is not on the eventual sensation, but rather the origin story that catapulted them there.
In Matt Johnson’s Tony, the director features a slice of early life from one of the world’s most renowned chefs, Anthony Bourdain. From young love and escaping ego to learning the true value of hard work, Tony is manna from heaven for hardcore fans. However, for the uninitiated, it also proves to be a captivating coming-of-age period piece.
Synopsis
It’s the summer of 1976. Bourdain, or Tony as he prefers at that time, is a mop-topped coed at Vassar College. A budding author, Tony applies for a writing fellowship over the summer. Like many cocky 19-year-olds, he makes the mistake of telling his family and friends it’s in the bag.
When those hopes are quickly dashed, Tony sets out for Cape Cod, where his college crush is spending the summer. With no money and a sudden realization that his girl has another guy, Tony drowns his sorrows until he is literally plucked from the street by the man who would change his destiny. What ensues is a series of life-altering experiences that crystallize the future trajectory of an adored chef and pop culture icon.
Discussion
Whether you’re fully indoctrinated into Bourdain fandom or you were just a casual follower, Tony proves to be a captivating tale regardless. Director Matt Johnson and co-writers Todd Bartels, Lou Howe, and Matthew Miller weave a nostalgic tale that transports you back to 1970s Cape Cod.
From period fashion to the old school analog world, the film does an amazing job capturing a long-lost vibe of anonymity and trust that is hard to find today. Back when a college coed could live for a summer in a hammock on his boss’ beachfront porch. Back when your only communication with your family was the random pay phone call. Tony aptly harnesses the vibe of a bygone era.
The fact that Tony’s entire East Coast adventure hinges on his adoration of a girl lends the story a level of romanticism and whimsy that nicely contrasts the hard knocks he experiences when he enters the kitchen for the first time. Like any great fish-out-of-water tale, Johnson doesn’t shy away from some of Bourdain’s early missteps. Including a web of lies only youthful pride can muster. After all, no good protagonist wins in the beginning. As Bourdain’s vanity gets the best of him time and time again, he earns his stripes through his own folly.
When Tony hits his stride, however, the film shifts to feature an all-too-satisfying transformation from an insufferable know-it-all to a humble, respectful young adult. As his appreciation for work ethic and culinary pride blossoms, the narrative starts to simmer, revealing a transformative era for the future famed gourmet.
Performances
Obviously, portraying a celebrity comes with inherent challenges. Thankfully, Dominic Sessa rises to the occasion with a brazen and authentic performance as the imitable real-life character. It takes nerve to showcase such early and embarrassing bravado, but Sessa perfectly captures the bumbles with realism and sympathy. As the story transitions, Sessa accomplishes an about-face that makes the story really hum.
Emilia Jones simply sparkles as Bourdain’s puppy love interest, Nancy. Ahead of her time, Jones casually hints at her character’s free spirit without screaming “women’s lib 70’s.” Nancy is a good girl with an independent streak. Jones embodies that spirit with a lovely and alluring spunk worthy of Bourdain’s adoration, but also badass in her own right.
And then there’s Antonio Banderas as Bourdain’s boss-turned-guru, “Chef.” Banderas carefully plays Chef as the enigma the story demands. But Banderas also conveys his character’s principled life with love and respect. Banderas’ recent trend into coke-bottle bespectacled wise elder is brilliant, and his turn as Chef further proves the actor’s staying power. His performance provides the roux for a succulent sauce of a film.
Conclusion
Without reservation, it is fair to say that Tony is a near-perfect film. From ill-advised beginnings to valuable life lessons, Tony is a compelling story about finding oneself in the most unlikely scenario. It’s a story about following your heart and rising to new challenges, both personally and professionally. Yes, for one hot second it seems the story might go on past its expiration; however, Johnson wraps it up perfectly with a refreshingly concise and surprisingly uplifting conclusion.
For those in the know, Bourdain’s triumph is bittersweet. But for those who have been living under a rock, Tony still provides a satisfying conclusion to a formative chapter. Diehard Bourdain fans will find Tony is required viewing. But for casual fans of the celebrity chef and best-selling author, the film provides a lovely coming-of-age story for a character who continues to loom large long after his untimely death.
A24 is releasing Tony in theaters nationwide on August 27.
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