My first exposure to Anthony Bourdain was almost twenty years ago when I read his autobiographical manifesto, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.
Not long after I started following his various tv shows including A Cook’s Tour, No Reservations, and ultimately, Parts Unknown.
Bourdain was smart, opinionated, empathetic, but what set him apart was his blunt honesty.
Blunt honesty seems to be the theme of Morgan Neville’s new documentary, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain.
At times, the film is difficult to watch.
Bourdain’s blunt honesty wasn’t particularly kind if you were on the receiving end.
Through the interviews in the film including fellow chefs Éric Ripert and David Chang, artist David Choe, ex-wife Ottavia Bourdain, and various members of his production crew including Helen M. Cho, Christopher Collins, Tom Vitale and Lydia Tenaglia, we see that to love Bourdain was to be hurt by Bourdain.
In recollection of their former friend, many are driven to tears by his absence, yet all are somewhat understanding of Bourdain’s demons and how they contributed to his eventual suicide. As revealed through the conversations of those who knew him best, his complicated and intense personality led to an his inevitable ending.
After meeting actress/director Asia Argento, Bourdain seemed to change his personality considerably. Longtime friends were shunned, co-workers fired, and his obsession with Argento (an untrustworthy and unreliable narrator in my opinion) seemed to be the cause.
Watching this with the knowledge that Bourdain would take his own life makes this film even more bleak.
Bourdain was adored, and feel that this film served as not only an opportunity to provide a sense of closure for those who loved him, but also as an acknowledgement that Bourdain often reciprocated his feelings back with a detachment and a cold heart.
Despite the unhappy ending, it’s a must watch.
* * * * *
Produced by Morgan Neville, Caitrin Rogers
Directed by Morgan Neville
Featuring Anthony Bourdain, Éric Ripert, David Chang, David Choe,
Ottavia Bourdain, Helen M. Cho, Christopher Collins, Tom Vitale,
Lydia Tenaglia, Josh Homme, Alison Mosshart, Doug Quint
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