Hollywood icon Antonio Banderas recently opened up about his immersive, and rather aromatic, experience filming the upcoming Anthony Bourdain biopic, titled 'Tony'. Speaking at the Torino Film Festival, where he received a lifetime achievement award, Banderas shared vivid memories from the set and shed light on the film's focus on the celebrated chef's turbulent early years.
The 'Fishy' Reality of Filming 'Tony'
Banderas revealed that the production took the cast and crew to the coastal towns of Cape Cod and Newport for a month and a half. The actor fondly recalled the constant, pungent smell of fish that permeated the filming locations. "We spent a month and a half filming in Cape Cod and Newport, constantly surrounded by the smell of fish," Banderas said. He added with a laugh, "Every time I came back to the hotel, I had to shower because I absolutely reeked - I was cleaning fish every single day!" This hands-on, albeit smelly, experience was all part of bringing the authentic world of a young Bourdain to life.
Exploring Bourdain's Difficult Beginnings
Directed by Matt Johnson, 'Tony' is not a conventional biopic but a reimagining of the chef-turned-globetrotter as an aimless young man. Banderas provided crucial insight into the film's narrative, explaining that it delves into a period before Bourdain found international fame. "After finishing university, (Bourdain) originally wanted to become a writer," Banderas shared. "But almost immediately, he began struggling with depression and drug addiction, so the film explores the very difficult early years of his life."
In the film, Banderas plays a pivotal role as a Brazilian-born restaurateur who becomes a mentor to the young Tony, portrayed by 'The Holdovers' breakout star Dominic Sessa. "Through this relationship, Tony begins to truly learn how to cook," Banderas explained. He emphasized that the film's scope is much broader than just food, stating, "So the film is not just about cuisine or culinary techniques; it's about his life, his identity, and his way of being - shaped by this unique mentor."
A Composite Mentor and Reflections on Guidance
While the real Anthony Bourdain started his culinary journey as a dishwasher at a restaurant owned by Provincetown's Ciro Cozzi, Banderas' character is a composite figure. He described his role as "a man from Brazil who works in the United States and has travelled the world." Elaborating on the character's philosophy, Banderas added, "My character studied at the finest institutions, graduating from the best gastronomy schools, yet he always remained an outsider. He created his own restaurant outside the traditional world of elite chefs, developing his own dishes with ingredients accessible to ordinary communities - simple food for everyday people."
The theme of mentorship resonated deeply with Banderas during his award acceptance in Turin. He reflected on his own career, noting that cinema happened to him "by chance, thanks to Pedro Almodovar", a chance that led to over 130 films. He also shared a heartfelt anecdote about the late actor Paul Newman, another formative figure in his life. Banderas recalled being star-struck when he saw Newman's piercing blue eyes in the audience during a New York musical. "I froze completely - it was incredibly powerful," he said. The two later became friends, and Banderas fondly remembered Newman's quirky habit of asking waiters for a specific beer "in exactly 2 minutes and 45 seconds."
