Sean Parker
The first time I heard of Anthony Bourdain, a sitcom based on his 2000 book Kitchen Confidential had started airing on Fox in 2005. The show, starring a yet unknown Bradley Cooper playing a version of the chef with the same surname, used some of the stories contained in Bourdain’s book in a fun albeit short-lived show. Most people, however, would likely recognize the chef from his travel shows The Layover, No Reservations, and Parts Unknown, the latter securing several Emmy wins over the life of the program. Bourdain was charismatic, quick-witted, and bold. Watching him on the screen felt like being around family, and watching his willingness to commune with other cultures over food was inspiring. So when news broke that Bourdain had taken his own life five years ago, the world was devastated.
With Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain, Academy Award-winning documentarian Morgan Neville gets insight from Bourdain’s television production crew, restauranteur David Chang, and French chef Éric Ripert among others to provide fans with a deeper look into the life of the beloved writer, chef, travel host, and troubled soul. The Won’t You Be My Neighbor director has also interwoven home videos, behind-the-scenes moments, deleted episode footage, and portions of Bourdain’s shows in order to recount the life of one of the most intrepid television personas of the 21st century.
What I’ve always loved about Bourdain is that he traveled with an open mind, once saying,
“You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.”
His commentary on travel and cultural, culinary adventurism continues to promote an unbiased approach to the world, even if it meant suppressing his assumptions.
“I always entertain the notion that I’m wrong or that I’ll have to revise my opinion. Most of the time that feels good; sometimes it really hurts and is embarrassing.”
Bourdain’s mantra showed us that we could suck up being wrong, try new things, and meet new people. It’s an enlightening idea to entertain, especially over dinner.
Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain premieres June 11 as part of the Tribeca Film Festival before heading to theaters on July 16.
What did you think of the trailer for Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain? Do you agree with Sean about Bourdain’s mantra? What are your favorite Anthony Bourdain quotes and moments? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for Horror Trailers, we got you covered!
