Matt Johnson Admits Initial Skepticism About Anthony Bourdain Before Directing A24 Biopic
Director Matt Johnson, known for 'BlackBerry' and 'Nirvana the Brand the Show the Movie', initially did not grasp the widespread admiration for Anthony Bourdain when he agreed to direct A24's upcoming film 'Tony'. The movie will explore Bourdain's early life as a beloved figure in travel, conversation, and food. Johnson's perspective shifted as he delved into the project.
The film centers on a young Bourdain working as a dishwasher in Provincetown during a summer, drawing from his memoir. It features a cast including Antonio Banderas and Leo Woodall, and the script landed on the 2024 Black List.
This marks Johnson's first project outside Canada and his first without a starring role. He drew inspiration from his own youth and that of lead actor Dominic Sessa, aiming to depict the formative years rather than the famous persona.
By focusing on Bourdain's pre-fame years, this biopic could reshape public perception of the late icon, moving beyond the saint-like reverence to a more relatable, flawed youth. Audiences who admired his travel shows may gain a deeper understanding of his formative struggles. The film's success could also influence how Hollywood approaches biographical dramas, prioritizing intimate character studies over comprehensive life stories, potentially affecting how future cultural figures are memorialized on screen.