Micah Fenner | Assistant Entertainment Editor
On Aug. 21, A24 released its newest biopic and coming-of-age film “Tony” in theaters nationwide.
The dark comedy focuses on the misadventures of a 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain (Dominic Sessa) as he stumbles his way through 1970s Cape Cod and develops a love for cooking. The real-life Anthony Bourdain would grow up to become a world-renowned chef and food critic before his death in 2018. The film is loosely based on the first two chapters of Bourdain’s memoir “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly,” released in 2000.
In his memoir, Bourdain described himself in his adolescence as “a spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive and thoughtless lout, and badly in need of a good ass-kicking.” “Tony” takes that description of Bourdain and uses it as the foundation for the film’s entire emotional arc.
Sessa’s Bourdain, who goes only by Tony in the film, is a vain, egotistical and brash liar. After trying and failing to get into a writing fellowship his college was offering, he decides to follow his crush (Emilia Jones) to Provincetown for the summer.
After a series of unfortunate events including a barfight and robbery, Tony is left with no other choice but to work as a dishwasher in a restaurant to keep a roof over his head. While working in the kitchen, the head chef (Antonio Banderas) takes Tony under his wing and tries to show him a better path forward through cooking.
Sessa’s stellar performance is what allows this journey of discovery to really hit home with the audience. His cocky demeanor mixed with his compulsive lying creates a clear image of Tony‘s incessant refusal to ever be perceived as lesser than anyone else. This characterization leads to him being a very unlikable protagonist in the beginning, which makes his eventual turnaround even more rewarding.
Tony’s need for validation almost becomes his undoing when he meets Sal (Leo Woodfall,) a violent drug addict who provides Tony with the first instance of friendship since his journey to Provincetown. Sal’s presence in Tony’s life gives his self-destructive nature an avenue to flourish and nearly engulf him.
Banderas and Woodfall’s characters fulfill an ever-so classic role in coming-of-age stories; each one represents a potential endpoint for the paths Tony could take. Sal shows Tony what will happen if he continues to let his need for validation consume him, while the head chef shows Tony what his life could be if he does what he loves and doesn't let the gaze of others define him.
Banderas’ performance as the head chef is another highlight of the film. He is quiet when the moment calls for quiet and commanding when he needs to be commanding. He is a person who loves what he does and puts intense care into every part of it. In the chaotic and stressful world of restaurants Tony is thrust into, Banderas acts as a steady beacon for others to look to for strength.
Beyond the quality of performances, the backdrop of Provincetown in the 1970s helps “Tony” develop its hopeful yet gritty vibe. The beaches and streets of Cape Cod during the day are bright and filled with people enjoying their summer on the beach. Those same places provide a completely different feel at night, where they provide a sense of unease in the beginning. As the story progresses, however, Provincetown at night becomes the one time where Tony can be himself and enjoy the company of the people around him.
The soundtrack, while not entirely standout, still helps the feel of the 1970s shine through. The soundtrack is filled with 1970s hits that make the film feel well at home when placed beside movies from the decade. The main orchestral pieces, while not often used, provide special impact in moments where Tony grows into a better person.
Overall, “Tony” is a well-crafted and wonderful emotionally driven coming-of-age story. Sessa and Banderas’ performances provide the film with the foundation it needed to craft a story of a person overcoming a need for validation and finding enjoyment in the things they do.
Rating: 4/5
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