Tony – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 46 minutes
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Tony Bourdain meets with the fellowship committee at Vassar College to obtain a writing fellowship. He creates a concept on the spot and jokes that he can write a novel on one sheet of paper. When Professor Dobson calls him Anthony, Tony corrects him. Only his mother calls him Anthony. He insists everyone calls him Tony. He leaves the meeting and relaxes at a bar with a friend. He sees his high school crush, Nancy, across the room. He approaches her and tells her about his fellowship. He’s proud to call himself a writer. He wants to spend time with her, but she’s leaving New Jersey for the summer to work at a pizzeria on Cape Cod.
Days later, Tony gets a call from Professor Dobson while washing dishes with his mother. He didn’t get the fellowship. However, Tony responds as if it’s a positive call, so his family doesn’t know. After punching a hole in his bedroom wall, Tony takes a yearbook picture of Nancy, gathers all his money, and boards a bus to Cape Cod.
Tony arrives in Cape Cod and finds Nancy. He sees her from the pizzeria window, but is hurt to see another guy kiss her. He walks to The Flagship and gets drunk. After he harasses the waitress, Mary, the owner, Chef, throws Tony out. Tony wakes up in a hammock on Chef’s back porch and runs away. He walks to the Boston Ferry but realizes someone robbed him the night before. He looks around and sees Nancy. Tony lies and tells her that he came to Cape Cod because the fellowship is there. He pretends that he forgot she told him about her summer plans. Tony returns to Chef’s home and asks if he can work in the kitchen for a place to sleep. He lies to Chef, saying his dad is the best chef in New Jersey. Chef gives Tony a job that will define food for generations to come.
Based on Kitchen Confidential, this film gives you a brief look at the moment that changed Anthony’s life (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It only covers the summer of 1975. The hair, makeup, and technology fit the film’s setting perfectly. While you won’t feel completely immersed in the period, you will respect the designers’ authenticity. The script doesn’t try to make Anthony look better or worse. He is a liar, arrogant, and ungrateful, but one summer changed it all. The character Chef remains a mystery until the end. And Tony can’t look away from this enigma. The staff doesn’t know his name, origin, or education. They only know that the man can and loves to cook. The plot also focuses on another staff member named Sal. Sal and Chef represent two possible futures for Tony. One is a good example while the other is a horrible warning. Tony looks at them both with awe. The lead’s performance and the script are compelling. It highlights Tony’s personal arc beautifully. The film does wane when Tony is out of the kitchen but picks up when he is in his element. This film is a bold take for a biopic, and it’s worth your money. I give it 4 out of 5 starsBlack doesn’t mean burnt – Chef
Only my mother calls me Anthony – Tony
Answer the question – Nancy
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