Just watched 'Road Runner: a Film About Anthony Bourdain. As it was a CNN film I expected it to be sanitised, and it begins with the sugar-kick of his forties, those books, getting the band together for his first travel shows.
Then, though, it takes a dark turn, and really focuses on the anguish of his crew, as they knew something damaging was happening, and wanted to be able to communicate with Bourdain, but couldn't. It's painful.
Josh Homme (...)
admits that, when it was filmed, he hadn't worked for two years because of the impact of his friend's passing. Empathy and sensitivity is shown to the final year, to Asia Argento, and to Bourdain fighting for her account to be widely heard and accepted.
The hardest part to watch was the crew member who simply says of his death, "he let me down," then breaks down.
This is a must-watch if you were ever affected by one of Bourdain's books or (...)
shows, because he was a magnetic personality, and even as the ghost at the banquet here, the force of his life is too great to be contained in a simple narrative.
Bourdain, in Parts Unknown, took gonzo journalism to the most strait-laced news network. Here, his crew give him the best tribute possible by make a gonzo, semi-structured, tribute, powered by one man's imperfect personality and reflected vibes.
There are people you can talk to. Just talk.
S Garlick