A Biopic That Ends Right When It’s Getting Started
A new film about Anthony Bourdain uses its subject to examine how a young person comes to love cooking.
The film, directed and co-written by Matt Johnson, tells the story of Anthony Bourdain from his early years, focusing on his transformation from a troubled teenager to a renowned chef and author. The character, played by Dominic Sessa, embodies the archetype of the rebellious, disillusioned youth, donning leather jackets and sporting a permanent scowl.
However, Sessa and Johnson skillfully portray Tony's progression towards something more meaningful, despite the film's truncated nature. The narrative centers around Tony's journey from Vassar College, where he briefly attended, to Provincetown, Massachusetts, where he finds a summer job washing dishes at a seafood restaurant. The film's strength lies in its ability to capture the raw, authentic experience of youth and the allure of the world of haute cuisine.
Chef, portrayed by Antonio Banderas, serves as Tony's mentor, imparting wisdom and respect for the art of cooking. Through this relationship, the film highlights how Bourdain's passion for food and his ability to blend the highbrow and lowbrow elements of cuisine contributed to his enduring legacy. Despite being a biopic that concludes at the beginning of Tony's life, it succeeds in conveying the essence of his charisma and the genuine love he had for the culinary world.
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