Canadian director Matt Johnson appeared relaxed just days before his wedding and before filming his upcoming movie, “Tony,” a biopic about the early life of renowned chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain. Johnson, casually dressed in a T-shirt and sweatpants, discussed the film at Toronto’s Revue Cinema with CBC News. Despite Bourdain’s revered status following his tragic passing in 2018, Johnson approached the project without being attached to Bourdain’s public persona.
Initially not planning to make a film about Bourdain, Johnson’s perspective shifted after meeting actor Dominic Sessa, who portrays Bourdain in the movie. Their shared outlook on various themes sparked the idea to delve into these concepts together through the film.
The script for “Tony” draws inspiration from Bourdain’s early life experiences detailed in his book “Kitchen Confidential.” Focusing on Bourdain’s formative years helped Johnson and Sessa avoid the pressure of depicting the more mature and established Bourdain that many fans remember. By exploring Bourdain’s journey into the culinary world and his personal struggles, the film aims to offer a deeper understanding of the man behind the legend.
“Tony” is set to premiere in theaters across Canada on August 14th, providing audiences with a fresh perspective on the beloved culinary icon.