Hollywood star Antonio Banderas has shared his unique experience while filming the biopic about famed chef Anthony Bourdain, titled “Tony.” Despite the challenges posed by the fishy environment during the production, which took place in Cape Cod and Newport, Banderas emphasized the enriching aspects of bringing Bourdain’s early life to the screen. “We spent a month and a half filming in Cape Cod and Newport, constantly surrounded by the smell of fish. Every time I came back to the hotel, I had to shower because I absolutely reeked,” he remarked, highlighting the immersive nature of his work.
Directed by Matt Johnson, the film reimagines Bourdain as a young man navigating a difficult period after university, grappling with issues such as depression and drug addiction. Banderas plays a composite mentor character, a Brazilian-born restaurateur who introduces the young Tony, portrayed by promising newcomer Dominic Sessa, to the culinary world. “Through this relationship, Tony begins to truly learn how to cook,” Banderas explained, adding that the film goes beyond culinary techniques to delve into themes of identity and personal growth.
Banderas’s character is depicted as an outsider in the culinary scene, having studied at prestigious gastronomy schools yet choosing to create a restaurant that caters to everyday people. “He developed his own dishes with ingredients accessible to ordinary communities – simple food for everyday people,” he noted.
During his recent appearance at the Torino Film Festival, where he received a lifetime achievement award, Banderas reflected on the importance of mentorship in his own life. He fondly recalled his early career in theater and his unexpected transition to film through Pedro Almodóvar. “My life has changed, and now I am finally doing what my life’s project was always meant to be,” Banderas expressed.
He also reminisced about the influence of actor Paul Newman, who had a significant impact on Banderas during a year spent in New York working on a musical. “One day I was on stage, and I saw Paul Newman with those eyes staring at me. I froze completely – it was incredibly powerful,” he recalled, cherishing the memories they shared over dinners in the city.
“Bourdain’s story, intertwined with the essence of mentorship, serves as a reminder of the significant relationships that shape our paths,” Banderas concluded, capturing the timeless impact of guidance and support that transcends various fields and experiences.