Canadian director Matt Johnson appeared calm and composed as he approached Toronto’s Revue Cinema to discuss “Tony,” a biopic focusing on the early life of renowned chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain. Despite Bourdain’s iconic status following his tragic passing in 2018, Johnson expressed a lack of personal connection to the chef’s reputation. Initially not planning to create a film about Bourdain, Johnson’s perspective shifted after meeting actor Dominic Sessa, who portrays Bourdain in the movie.
Sessa, 23, was cast as the lead, and Johnson crafted a script drawing from Bourdain’s youth, particularly his experiences detailed in the book “Kitchen Confidential.” By centering the narrative on Bourdain’s formative years in Provincetown, Mass., the film explores his journey during his first summer as a chef. Johnson deliberately kept Sessa unfamiliar with Bourdain’s work to capture the essence of the young, aspiring chef.
Focusing on the early stages of Bourdain’s life allowed Johnson to sidestep the pressure of depicting the more established, widely-known Bourdain. By delving into themes of adolescence, family dynamics, and self-perception, the film aimed to resonate with audiences beyond Bourdain’s devoted fan base. Johnson emphasized the collaborative process between himself, Sessa, and the essence of Bourdain that they sought to embody on screen.
“Tony” is set to premiere in theaters nationwide on August 14, offering viewers an intimate portrayal of Bourdain’s formative years.