I had the wonderful opportunity to see an early showing of A24’s newest film, TONY. The film is a biopic on the early days of Anthony Bourdain (played by the incomparable Dominic Sessa). This summer has been filled with a nonstop series of back-to-back blockbuster hits, starting with OBSESSION and now closing off on SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY, with a dozen other “spectacle” films in between. During all this grandeur, simpler films can feel incredibly needed. A24 has been doing just that, starting with THE INVITE, which is one of the best films to be released this year, and following it up with TONY. TONY is fantastic because it’s exactly what it needs to be. It’s incredibly character-driven, with a punchy and hilarious screenplay written by Matt Johnson, Matthew Miller, Todd Bartels, and Lou Howe. Matt Johnson, the director of the film, has had a huge year himself with the wide release of the acclaimed film NIRVANA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE.
Making a biopic on Anthony Bourdain is not an easy feat. I was curious how they would make a film true to the spirit of who he was without glamorizing him. The best way to pay tribute to Anthony Bourdain is through honesty and complete rawness. The film isn’t scared to paint Anthony in a negative light, showcasing his failures and the worst parts of himself. Only through that lens can we appreciate the man that’s so unapologetically authentic and get to truly know the man who is Anthony Bourdain.
The film is about mistakes, second chances, and making the best out of what you have. The power of community and support is often showcased, whether Tony finds that love from one person or a whole town. TONY shows us that your past actions do not define you; it’s what you learned from them and how you will grow. I always enjoy the sentiment that what’s meant to be will be. It can feel scary putting blind faith in the knowledge that everything will work out. But that’s exactly where Tony finds himself on this journey. The film follows Anthony as he lies to just about everyone in his life about who he is, what he’s doing, and where he’s going. With no money or prospects about his future, he finds himself at the door of a local chef (Antonio Banderas). He meets people who teach him life lessons for better and worse, and reflects on the parts of himself he needs to polish and the parts that make him who he is. This is one of my favorite kinds of movies: the ones that don’t try to be something they aren’t. It’s not a huge show that will dazzle your senses; it’s just showcasing a rough but lovable man. I believe these films are just as important as the blockbusters we’ve been blessed with.
Dominic Sessa is perfect as Tony, a wonderful follow-up to his ecstatic debut in THE HOLDOVERS. Sessa has found his niche character, and I’m excited to see where his career takes him while also being curious about what else he has in him. Antonio Banderas is dialed in as “chef.” His mystique makes you want to know more about who he is as he sprinkles his wisdom into every scene. The two pair very well together, and fans of a found-father dynamic will really enjoy their characters’ interactions.
My advice is to see TONY; just make sure you don’t go on an empty stomach. Obviously, in a film about Anthony Bourdain, there’s going to be a plethora of mouth-watering food presented. The seafood in the film perfectly encapsulates the landscape of Provincetown and how that culture shaped Bourdain and his style of cooking. Mixed with the fantastic soundtrack, you’ve got yourself a full-course meal. Though this film may not get the same attention as other heroic films like THE ODYSSEY or SPIDER-MAN are receiving, TONY features a hero nonetheless. He may be an anti-hero, but one that many people can relate to, especially those who are young and trying to find their footing in the world. The film reminds me of lyrics from one of my favorite Billy Joel songs, “Vienna.”
“Slow down, you crazy child
You’re so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you’re so smart
Tell me why are you still so afraid? Mm
Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about?
You’d better cool it off before you burn it out”
“Slow down, you’re doing fine
You can’t be everything you wanna be before your time
Although it’s so romantic on the borderline tonight, tonight
Too bad, but it’s the life you lead
You’re so ahead of yourself, that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you’re wrong
You know you can’t always see when you’re right”
“You’ve got your passion, you’ve got your pride
But don’t you know that only fools are satisfied?
Dream on, but don’t imagine they’ll all come true, ooh
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?
Slow down, you crazy child
And take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while
It’s alright, you can afford to lose a day or two, ooh
When will you realize Vienna waits for you?”
I think Anthony Bourdain would be very pleased with this film, as am I. I urge everyone to make it a full night and grab a delicious meal before seeing TONY in theaters with family, friends, and loved ones.
TONY is playing in select theaters August 7th. Playing everywhere August 21st.
