Anthony Bourdain is a restless young rebel constantly searching for himself; he finds his first true lifeline in the adrenaline of low-end kitchens and in the figure of his uncompromising mentor. Over the course of a single summer, that life will change forever.
Tony is a pleasant surprise. Matt Johnson’s film takes an intelligent approach to recounting Anthony Bourdain’s early years, avoiding the trap of the celebratory biopic and focusing instead on the man rather than the persona. What emerges is a portrait of a restless young man—still far from having a clear sense of purpose—searching for direction amidst mistakes, ambitions, and vulnerabilities.
