Sessa dives deep: improv and oyster shucking fuel ‘tony’ journey

Dominic Sessa traded his red carpet looks for a dishwasher’s scrub brush, immersing himself in the chaotic summer that inspired Matt Johnson’s ‘Tony,’ a film tracing Anthony Bourdain’s formative years.

A gamble on authenticity

The film, premiering next month, sees Sessa alongside Antonio Banderas, recreating Bourdain’s Provincetown experience – a whirlwind of improvisation and surprisingly barbed insults, largely courtesy of Stavros Halkias. It wasn’t a comfortable process; Sessa admits the pressure of working alongside a cinematic heavyweight like Banderas, a surprisingly skilled cook himself, was intense. “I could barely boil water and make pasta,” he confessed, “I guess I learned how to shuck oysters…and I got better at washing dishes.”

Banderas’ unexpected masterclass

But Banderas, reportedly, offered a counterpoint – a meticulously crafted paella in Málaga, a tangible lesson in culinary craft. The experience underscored the collaborative spirit, revealing a dedication to detail that extended beyond the screen. Sessa’s own wardrobe—a testament to budget-friendly style—offers a stark contrast to the Celine ensemble he sported at the New York premiere, a reminder of his grounding in reality.

The myth of ‘flaco’

And then there’s the legend of ‘Flaco,’ Bourdain’s nickname, a phrase Halkias reportedly conjured up with a particularly cutting precision – “an acrobat that jumps from ass to ass.” Sessa confirms the authenticity of that particular jab, a testament to the improvisational heart of the production. It’s a detail that speaks volumes about the film’s commitment to capturing the messy, unfiltered essence of Bourdain’s life.

A hockey film dream

Looking ahead, Sessa’s ambition isn’t red carpets; he’s aiming for a hockey film, a project he’d tackle “without a stunt double,” highlighting a pragmatic approach and a surprisingly astute understanding of budget constraints. It’s a refreshing perspective, one that suggests a genuine desire to return to his roots, a sentiment echoed by his decision to embrace a more stripped-down aesthetic, proving that substance, not style, is his true focus. Ultimately, ‘Tony’ isn’t just a biopic; it’s a reminder of the unexpected journeys that shape us all.”n