Canadian director Matt Johnson, just days away from his wedding and the start of his next film shoot, appeared relaxed during an interview with CBC News last week at Toronto’s Revue Cinema. Johnson discussed “Tony,” a biopic focusing on the early years of chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain. Despite Bourdain’s iconic status, Johnson felt comfortable exploring his story.
Initially not planning to make a film about Bourdain, Johnson’s perspective changed after meeting actor Dominic Sessa, who plays the lead role. Their shared views on various issues sparked the idea to delve into these themes together through the movie.
Sessa, portraying a young Bourdain, starred in the film that draws from Bourdain’s book “Kitchen Confidential,” depicting one summer in Provincetown, Mass., where Bourdain began his culinary journey. Johnson and Sessa deliberately avoided extensive exposure to Bourdain’s works to maintain authenticity in their portrayals.
By focusing on Bourdain’s early life, the film sidesteps the pressure of replicating the established Bourdain that many fans idolize. Instead, the narrative delves into Bourdain’s formative years, exploring his relationships and self-perception as he entered adulthood.
“Tony” offers a fresh perspective on Bourdain’s life and resonates with those who admire him. Johnson expressed a sense of camaraderie with Bourdain through the filmmaking process. The movie is set to premiere in Canadian theaters on August 14.
[Image Description: A scene from the movie “Tony” shows Sessa, portraying a young Bourdain, learning from a chef in Provincetown, played by Antonio Banderas.]
(Note: The movie “Tony” is distributed by A24.)
[Watch: The making of Tony, a new film about the life of Anthony Bourdain](https://theisraeltime.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/default-54.jpeg)
