Matt Johnson presents TONY, a biopic based on the young Anthony Bourdain before he became the travelling foodie and cultural commentator we all came to know. Set in Provincetown in 1975, the film captures the beauty of the seaside town and the essence of that period.

The coming-of-age story follows Anthony/Tony, a young college student with dreams of becoming a writer and being with a particular girl who is also attending that college. Although at first it seemed like he had a plan worked out, his Fellowship application to that same college is declined, but his determination, ignorance and pride lead him into a series of troubles along the way as he tries to maintain the lie.

Tony, played by Dominic Sessa, is not particularly likeable. His character is narcissistic and thoughtless; however, it does make his character interesting and unpredictable. He’s cocky, impulsive and self-destructive, but there’s also an obvious intelligence and curiosity underneath it all. You can see glimpses of the personality that would eventually make Bourdain such an engaging storyteller. Unlike most biopics, which try to pay homage to the main character, this one seems to highlight the flaws in his character more than his strengths. When you thought, ‘OK, he will grow a conscience now and realise the errors of his ways,’ Tony would repeat or worsen his situation, to the point that it became comical.

A much older and charismatic Antonio Banderas adds depth to the whole story as chef Rudy. Wise and fair, he acts as the authority and good Samaritan who leads the lost and self-destructive young Tony with a guiding hand. Quite like Mr. Miyagi to the Karate Kid!

The other kitchen staff create a more interesting layer to the story. You can see Tony’s mind ticking away as he observes the camaraderie, rivalry and chaos.

Where Tony falls short for me is Tony’s character development. For a predictable ending, I think it could have invested more in going a little deeper into the characters’ change of heart. It was very slow and long-winded, long after we got the point. The path between love and career was an obvious conflict in the film that could have been made more dramatic and a bit more interesting. However, his growing relationship with Chef Rudy was well portrayed and became the main focus of the film.

That said, the film is funny at times, with some classic moments. It’s occasionally uncomfortable and frustrating, but often genuinely heartfelt. Rather than attempting to explain the whole phenomenon of Anthony Bourdain, Tony gives us a snapshot of the restless young man before the legend.

It’s an entertaining and well-acted film with a great sense of time and place. Fans of the late Anthony Bourdain will love it.

I rate it 3/5 stars, as I believe the pace was a little slow.

The season starts August 20th at Luna Leederville, Windsor & Luna on SX.