Portraying a real person in a biopic can put immense pressure on actors. However, in the new film “Tony,” Dominic Sessa, who plays a young Anthony Bourdain, found creative freedom by focusing exclusively on a single summer in the late 1970s before Bourdain rose to fame as a renowned chef and writer.
“I personally find it more interesting when you can reveal to the audience something that is not really known or hasn’t been focused on at all,” Sessa shared with Variety. He noted that for many fans of Bourdain, the film provides new insights into his early life. “I think it’s fascinating to see actors recreate iconic moments, but I was grateful we had the freedom to infuse our own stories into this.”
Exploring Bourdain’s Formative Years
Set in 1975, “Tony” is more of a coming-of-age hangout film than a conventional biopic. It chronicles 19-year-old Tony as he follows his older school crush, Nancy (Emilia Jones), to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Lies about winning a writing fellowship lead him to a local kitchen run by a seasoned seafood chef (Antonio Banderas), where he faces life-changing experiences and quirky kitchen dynamics, particularly with characters like the erratic Sal (Leo Woodwall).
Aside from the documentary “Roadrunner,” Bourdain’s life has primarily been explored through his own books, like “Kitchen Confidential.” This makes “Tony” the first fictionalized biopic of the Emmy-winning host, allowing Sessa the opportunity to step into his first lead role, following his breakout performance in Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers.”
Understanding the Character
Initially skeptical about the character, Sessa believed he could not accurately portray Bourdain’s renowned culinary persona. However, a meeting with director Matt Johnson helped him find a relatable way to approach the role. “I felt I actually had a way to understand the character that was relatable to me and true to my own experiences,” he explained.
Sessa describes the character as someone who lies to project an image far from reality, a sentiment he found relatable from his own experiences in high school and college. “I would go on dates and use big words to appear smarter,” he shared, reflecting on the universal struggle of young people striving to fit in.
A Captivating Portrayal
Reading “Kitchen Confidential” influenced Sessa’s performance, allowing him to portray a character that possesses both charm and flaws. “At times I would wonder, ‘Am I representing this person well?’ but I reminded myself that I was being honest,” Sessa noted.
Authenticity Through Local Connections
Filming in Provincetown allowed Sessa to connect with locals who knew Bourdain well. “The owners of The Lobster Pot and Spiritus Pizza all had relationships with him,” he mentioned. Director Matt Johnson engaged these locals to gather personal stories, offering unique insights into Bourdain’s life that diverge from his published accounts.
One particularly enlightening moment came when actor Larry Luster shared that Bourdain’s tendency to embellish stories sometimes distorted the truth. “He had a knack for making things sound more interesting,” Sessa remarked, adding depth to the film’s portrayal of Bourdain’s character.
Camaraderie and Mentorship on Set
The restaurant scenes were chaotic yet authentic, which Sessa attributes to the immersive filming style. “It felt like we were actually working in a kitchen,” he recalled, noting how Banderas’s seasoned chef character became a mentor to him both on-screen and off.
Sessa expressed gratitude for the insights gained from Banderas, noting how the experience elevated his acting. “When a veteran comes in and works through scenes with you, it’s incredibly enriching,” he noted, emphasizing the collaborative spirit on set.
The Complexities of Connection
The film reflects the complexities of human connections, particularly in the relationships Bourdain forms with his mentors despite his dishonesty. “It’s striking how kindness persists despite the lies,” Sessa observed, revealing that these interactions are pivotal in shaping Tony’s moral choices.
Foreshadowing Future Struggles
Although the film is set in a light-hearted summer moment, it subtly foreshadows Bourdain’s later battles with mental health and addiction. Sessa noted that while he and Johnson did not deeply dwell on those struggles during production, hints of chaos permeate the story—particularly through Leo’s character, who introduces Tony to elements that eventually lead to darker times.
“Leo’s character was intentionally crafted to foreshadow Bourdain’s tumultuous future,” Sessa added. This balance between light-hearted experiences and impending challenges adds layers of depth to the film.
The Future Awaits
Following the success of “The Holdovers” and now with “Tony,” Sessa is keen on exploring new artistic avenues. “I’ve been discovering my capabilities and learning from great actors,” he said, excited for what lies ahead.
As he reflects on his career, Sessa dreams of collaborating with directors like Zach Cregger, known for impactful work in both comedy and horror. “I’m really drawn to creative voices that challenge the norm,” he concluded.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
