Dominic Sessa Says Antonio Banderas Gave Him ‘a Lot of Important Relationship Advice’ on “Tony” Set (Exclusive)

**Antonio Banderas Stars in ‘Tony’: A Glimpse into Anthony Bourdain’s Early Life**

The latest film ‘Tony’, featuring Antonio Banderas alongside rising star Dominic Sessa, transports audiences back to the 1970s in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The film, inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s life, particularly his well-regarded memoir *Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly*, portrays the formative years of Bourdain, who aspiringly finds his way into the culinary world.

Dominic Sessa steps into the role of a young Bourdain, aged 19, who arrives in Provincetown with grand ambitions. He aims to impress a girl by fabricating stories about securing a fellowship to write a novel. However, the reality soon finds him jobless and stranded, leading him to take on an unexpected role as a dishwasher at a local seafood restaurant run by Banderas’ character, a strict yet insightful chef.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Sessa shared valuable insights on his interactions with Banderas during filming. The 23-year-old actor expressed gratitude for the mentorship he received, not just within the context of their scenes but also in personal life advice. “He gave me a lot of important relationship advice,” Sessa remarked with a chuckle, highlighting the actor’s wealth of experience in navigating the entertainment industry, notably drawing from his own past relationship with actress Melanie Griffith.

Banderas, now 66, showcased his characteristic charm and professionalism on set, traits that did not go unnoticed by Sessa. “It’s challenging when you work with someone as talented as he is because it seems so effortless,” Sessa noted. He admired how Banderas could deliver captivating performances without appearing to put in excessive effort, a testament to his deep understanding of his craft.

Director Matt Johnson, who also participated in the conversation, echoed Sessa’s sentiment regarding Banderas’ prowess as an actor. He pointed out that when a scene didn’t resonate as intended, it was usually a reflection of the script rather than the actors’ capabilities. “It’s my problem in giving them bad dialogue, which honestly happened often enough,” Johnson confessed, admitting that he often relied on the actors to gauge the quality of the writing.

Notably, Sessa shared a candid moment where he communicated directly with Johnson when scripts didn’t hit the mark. “I would just look at him and be like, ‘Dude, what the f— is this?’” he laughed, capturing the collaborative spirit that characterised the project.

Alongside Banderas and Sessa, the film also stars Leo Woodall and Stavros Halkias, who play Bourdain’s colleagues, introducing him to the dynamics of the kitchen and influencing his desire to pursue a professional culinary career. The narrative of ‘Tony’ serves as a homage to Bourdain, who tragically passed away in 2018. His legacy endures through his impactful writing and television shows that revolutionised food culture.

In addition to tackling Bourdain’s formative experiences, the film features performances by Dagmara Dominiczyk and Rich Sommer, who portray Bourdain’s parents, further fleshing out the character’s background and motivations.

‘Tony’ has begun its rollout in select theatres and is set to become widely available starting August 21. The anticipation surrounding this film is palpable, especially among fans of Bourdain who are eager to learn more about the experiences that shaped the iconic chef and storyteller.

As ‘Tony’ opens to audiences, it promises not only to shed light on Bourdain’s early aspirations but also to engage viewers with vibrant performances that capture the essence of passion and perseverance in the culinary world. With Banderas’ seasoned talent and Sessa’s burgeoning star power, the film is a heartfelt tribute to a legendary figure who left an indelible mark on both the culinary and television landscapes.