First let me make something clear as the author of this review. I suffer and have endured Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD). With that comes bouts of depression. As of the review of this movie and the writing of this piece, I need to make clear, I have gone through a time of triggers and some depression. For this reason, it is not only difficult to write this review, but I am looking through blinders at this movie as I admit, I admired the literary genius of Anthony Bourdain. Then as many will know who has seen the trailers from the movie, in Anthony Bourdain’s own words we know, this story does not have a happy ending.
Roadrunner
is directed masterfully by award winning director and producer Morgan Neville.
As would be expected from such a talented director, he weaves actual footage of
Bourdain in the telling of this story that while we know the outcome in the
final moments of the film, we see essentially Bourdain telling of his own
demise. Of course, there is some brilliant editing in the process but as we
look at this film on screen, we wonder, why would there have ever been any
doubt as to the severity of Bourdain’s depression and ultimate demise via suicide
by hanging. What we see on screen, while we hope for positive vibes, knowing
the ending and end of Bourdain is a troubling, yet necessary viewing to better
understand not just those fighting depression but, in many ways, humanity. It
is from that perspective of observation and being able to relate that this
review will be different than most any review I have ever written out of thousands
of reviews over the years. Of course, there is the controversial technique used
by Neville in the direction to use an AI (artificial intelligence) voice of
Bourdain to help tell the story. While controversial, I personally found the
technique quite appropriate as it assists in putting us into the place where it
is clear in many ways and from other audio of where Bourdain’s mindset was at.
Anthony
Bourdain got started out moving from a dishwasher up to becoming a chef, and through
his own admission, not a great one. He enjoyed writing and as a writer, early
on in his career and his first marriage it was clearly noted for his way with
words. It wasn’t long after some interviews and interactions it was realized he
would make a great addition to television. While early on some of his exploits
and programs was more about food, it soon became much more than about food, it
became about story,
As
Bourdain became more involved with the television programs his first marriage
of many years dissolved and it became clear that he would be easily moved as to
the needs of those around him, including world scenarios with political
overtones. It wouldn’t be long before Bourdain would marry again and with his
second marriage have a daughter. Unfortunately, after some time that marriage
where he seemed so happy dissolved. It
seemed as if Bourdain was getting to a place where he would begin to develop
ultimately self-worth issues and feelings of not being loveable. This becomes
an issue with many with depression, it is unfortunately, even a feeling I often
feel. Despite doing what one can for others, despite the drive to succeed,
ultimately the desire to be loved is critical. We see the importance of this
illustrated in several scenes through the movie.
We see several close friends of Bourdain throughout the documentary telling of their feelings and responses to Bourdain. It is clear in one scene where we see him interviewing Iggy Pop and the concept of Iggy Pop stating that the most important thing at his stage in life is to be loved by others. Clearly here we see Bourdain struggle as his life and mannerisms, I believe related to the desire to be loved and understood is challenged. He clearly has issues with this concept. We also see a conversation between Bourdain and a close friend, another chef where Bourdain says he is trying to be as Christlike as he can. It is as if he understands the importance of helping others. Bourdain was clearly in many ways, seeking to be accepted by others. He clearly understood the work of Jesus and wanting to emulate Jesus, but unfortunately, clearly didn’t seem to have a relationship with Jesus. We see this wear on him. Again, I know all too well the desire to try and serve and help others, I know all too well the feeling of at times not feeling loved and yet, struggle because I, and others like me and Bourdain, clearly serve others out of a measure of love, but sometimes, a love that is self-serving, and one that needs to experience love and as Iggy Pop said, one needs to feel and know that they are loved.
Here
is where my review shifts: In our world political
climate, and the human condition we all have, there is the need to be loved. Truth
is, I hated this movie, not because of the quality, or anything of that nature,
but the reminder that even successful people go through life not feeling loved.
It is after Bourdain’s third relationship breakup that he ultimately looses it.
If someone with the talents, abilities, and success of Bourdain can go through
life, and ultimately feel unloved, what does that say about the chances for the
rest of us that struggle with this feeling. Does it mean they/we aren’t
loved? Of course not, but for many of
us, reality is what we feel. The question is, how does one go out of their way
to get through to those around them to let them know they are loved? I don’t have the answer for this because for
my own life, I realize there are times that others go out of their way to show
and express love, but for whatever reason, it isn’t felt. Unfortunately, for
many, the result is suicide. I must admit, there were times in the past I acted
on that. I haven’t been close to that place in my own life in a number of
years, but that isn’t to say that it hasn’t crossed my mind. So, once again I
ask the question, what can we do to help people like Bourdain, (clearly too
late for him) that face these feelings of not feeling loved?
This
documentary movie will I believe be considered during Oscar season. It is
phenomenal in its making and story. It is not a happy movie though. Just as we
hear from Bourdain again, we know from the start, it isn’t going to have a
happy ending. I don’t even know if I would say Roadrunner is entertaining, I would
say however, it is a much-needed movie and one that I would recommend as many
people as possible see because if it helps any of us to understand more the
need to overtly express our love in word and actions to those around us, then
it will likely help save lives. The pain of suicide impacts each person differently,
but drastically, be it the suicide of a celebrity like Anthony Bourdain or a
loved one we know personally.
I
normally give a numeric score on my reviews on a scale of 1 – 10, for some
reason, I just don’t think that is appropriate for this movie, I will say this
is a must-see documentary film for all kinds of reasons, namely the potential
of helping save the life of a loved one. At that point, maybe just maybe,
Bourdain’s actions can have a positive impact, otherwise, it’s another senseless
death.
To watch the trailer for this movie, click on the following link:
ROADRUNNER: A Film About Anthony Bourdain - Official Trailer [HD] - In Theaters July 16 - YouTube
To Donate via Pay Pal, donate at paypal at mike@furches.org
To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches
You can also always donate to The Virtual Pew at 1249 North Saint Francis, Wichita Kansas 67214
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
Click to subscribe to my blog
You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.
There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:
The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg
https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers
The Movie Guys
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
