Canadian director Matt Johnson appeared relaxed last week, just four days away from his wedding and a mere eight days before commencing filming for his upcoming movie. Johnson, casually dressed in a T-shirt and sweatpants, visited Toronto’s Revue Cinema for an interview with CBC News about “Tony,” a highly anticipated biopic focusing on the early years of renowned chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain. Despite Bourdain’s posthumous iconic status following his tragic death in 2018, Johnson seemed unfazed about delving into his life story.
Johnson admitted that initially, he had no particular interest in creating a film about Bourdain, the culinary expert who transitioned from a line cook to an executive chef, eventually gaining fame through his best-selling books and travel documentaries like “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.” However, everything changed when Johnson met actor Dominic Sessa, who portrays Bourdain in the movie. The shared perspective between Johnson and Sessa on various issues led them to collaborate and explore themes of adulthood, role models, and authenticity.
The film, drawing inspiration from Bourdain’s book “Kitchen Confidential,” centers on one pivotal summer in Provincetown, Mass., where Bourdain began his culinary journey. Johnson and Sessa deliberately kept themselves somewhat unfamiliar with Bourdain’s body of work to maintain an authentic portrayal of the young and uncertain Bourdain finding his path in the culinary world. By focusing on Bourdain’s formative years, the film aimed to present a more relatable and human side of the chef, steering clear of the burden of recreating the mature Bourdain that many fans idealized.
The narrative of “Tony” unfolds with a blend of Bourdain’s childhood complexities, his relationships, and his navigation into adulthood, offering a nuanced portrayal that resonates with audiences who revere the late chef. Johnson emphasized that by delving into Bourdain’s early struggles and personal growth, the film aimed to provide a more intimate and valuable insight for those who idolize him. “Tony” is set to premiere in theaters across Canada on Friday, August 14.