Antonio Banderas Recalls Immersive Experience Playing Mentor to Anthony Bourdain in Biopic: 'I Was Cleaning Fish Every Single Day'
Filming for the A24-produced biopic "Tony," which reimagines chef-turned-globetrotter Anthony Bourdain as an aimless young man, was a grueling experience for Antonio Banderas. The actor spent months on location in Cape Cod and Newport, constantly surrounded by the pungent smell of fish. "We're talking about cleaning fish every single day," Banderas laughed during an appearance at the Torino Film Festival.
The biopic, directed by Matt Johnson, is based on Bourdain's early years before he became a renowned chef and television personality. Banderas plays a mentor who takes young Tony under his wing and teaches him how to cook. The film explores the challenges Bourdain faced with depression and addiction during this time. "Through this relationship, Tony begins to truly learn how to cook," Banderas said. "So the film is not just about cuisine or culinary techniques; it's about his life, his identity, and his way of being."
Banderas' character in the biopic was inspired by several Brazilian-born restaurateurs who have worked in the United States. He described the role as a composite character, someone who studied at the finest institutions but remained an outsider. "He created his own restaurant outside the traditional world of elite chefs," Banderas said. This chef's unique approach to cooking with accessible ingredients made simple food for everyday people.
The actor drew on personal experiences when portraying his mentor. He has always been drawn to acting, and cinema came as a result of chance encounters, including working with Pedro Almodóvar and Paul Newman. The latter was an influential figure in Banderas' life, who he met while performing on stage. A memorable encounter with Newman involved singing a musical performance where he noticed the actor staring at him from across the stage.
Banderas reflected on his own journey to finding his true calling as an actor, stating that he is finally doing what was meant for his life's project. He has recently returned to his home in Malaga and has been focusing on theater, including returning to the stage for the past seven years.
The biopic aims to capture Bourdain's early struggles with depression and addiction while showcasing his journey towards finding purpose through cooking and exploring different cultures.
Filming for the A24-produced biopic "Tony," which reimagines chef-turned-globetrotter Anthony Bourdain as an aimless young man, was a grueling experience for Antonio Banderas. The actor spent months on location in Cape Cod and Newport, constantly surrounded by the pungent smell of fish. "We're talking about cleaning fish every single day," Banderas laughed during an appearance at the Torino Film Festival.
The biopic, directed by Matt Johnson, is based on Bourdain's early years before he became a renowned chef and television personality. Banderas plays a mentor who takes young Tony under his wing and teaches him how to cook. The film explores the challenges Bourdain faced with depression and addiction during this time. "Through this relationship, Tony begins to truly learn how to cook," Banderas said. "So the film is not just about cuisine or culinary techniques; it's about his life, his identity, and his way of being."
Banderas' character in the biopic was inspired by several Brazilian-born restaurateurs who have worked in the United States. He described the role as a composite character, someone who studied at the finest institutions but remained an outsider. "He created his own restaurant outside the traditional world of elite chefs," Banderas said. This chef's unique approach to cooking with accessible ingredients made simple food for everyday people.
The actor drew on personal experiences when portraying his mentor. He has always been drawn to acting, and cinema came as a result of chance encounters, including working with Pedro Almodóvar and Paul Newman. The latter was an influential figure in Banderas' life, who he met while performing on stage. A memorable encounter with Newman involved singing a musical performance where he noticed the actor staring at him from across the stage.
Banderas reflected on his own journey to finding his true calling as an actor, stating that he is finally doing what was meant for his life's project. He has recently returned to his home in Malaga and has been focusing on theater, including returning to the stage for the past seven years.
The biopic aims to capture Bourdain's early struggles with depression and addiction while showcasing his journey towards finding purpose through cooking and exploring different cultures.
like who does that tho? but for the role, lol he totally immersed himself in it and even drew from his own experiences meetin people like pedro almodóvar & paul newman who helped shape him into the actor he is today 
what i love about dis biopic is how it shows bourdain's journey towards findin purpose thru cookin & explorin cultures 
can't wait 2 c it on screen!
. It's mind-blowing that he had to clean fish every single day for months on set, can you imagine? 
But at the same time, I think it's kinda weird that Antonio Banderas is saying he was cleaning fish every single day on set... like, how can that be a good experience? 
I guess I just need more info about how it's going to be different from other Bourdain films... or if it's actually gonna be any good at all! 
But at the same time, it's awesome that he found a way to channel those experiences into something creative and meaningful.
. I'm definitely going to have to check out the film ASAP!
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