Movie Review: Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Although the fate of its subject is communicated early on, by said subject himself in his typical no-nonsense, matter-of-fact voice-over style, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain, still proves to be a fascinating and captivating portrait of the adored celebrity chef and author that also explores, in some detail, the question as to exactly why his life ended when, on June 8, 2018, Bourdain hung himself in his hotel room.
An intimate chronicle of Bourdain’s life from obscure, anonymous chef to world-famous author, the film is told from Bourdain’s own perspective using footage (both previously seen and unseen) from his various projects. Morgan Neville’s film is an uncompromising look at a true cultural icon and the tremendous impact he had on the world, and the toll that that inevitably had on him.
Throughout the film, director Neville seems genuinely enthralled by his subject, and it is rather easy to be swept up in that enthusiasm as well. There is something genuinely likeable about Bourdain that comes through from the very first frame of the film and the first-person narration that Neville utilizes allows the viewer to get to know Bourdain almost as a friend than as the untouchable subject of a typical documentary. Editors Eileen Meyer and Aaron Wickenden aid this by effortlessly shifting between archival footage and interviews with Bourdain’s friends and family to highlight not only his copious accomplishments, but also the impact he had on those around him as well as the world in general.
While Roadrunner may not resonate as strongly or on as many levels for many as some of Neville’s other documentaries, such as 20 Feet from Stardom (2013) or possibly Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018), the film remains a remarkable exploration of the life of a simultaneously complicated and fascinating man. In fact, the testament to the power of the film can be found in one inevitably mourning the loss of Bourdain all over again.
Mike Tyrkus
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