Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain

The film-makers have done a terrific job here trawling through episodes, stitching together footage to create a portrait of a man who went out in the world with open eyes, hungry for encounters and meaning.

The movie wants to celebrate the life of someone who left his mark. It also hopes to explore the gap between those two poles. That it only comes mildly close to succeeding in the latter respect doesn't detract from the sheer pleasure of his company.

"I want to make a film about why he was who he was"... For the next two hours, Roadrunner seems to dodge all the parts of its subject's life that might offer concrete answers to Neville's question.

The documentary is a mere encyclopedia-like info-product, which reduces its rich audiovisual archival material and its heartfelt interviews with people who knew and loved Bourdain to freeze-dried sound and image bites.

I don't think it works particularly as well as a deep exploration of some of the weightier topics it touches on -- like mental illness or addiction -- but it's a really cathartic tribute for all of his fans who still miss him dearly.

Overall, I found it compelling. It's a well-made portrait of a fascinating, witty, and complicated man.

This seems to be the year for documentaries about celebrity chefs, with ROADRUNNER released at the same time as WOLFGANG. However, Bourdain has a natural feeling for the obnoxious and while we can compare the two, Bourdain's manner defeats his style.

As attractive, captivating, and pendulous as its subject, Roadrunner immerses itself in turbulent waters. [Full review in Spanish]

“Roadrunner” doesn’t try to rewrite the man or soften his jagged edges. In many ways it attempts to make sense of his mystique while also shedding light on the person himself who inspired millions to live their lives to the fullest...

Neville presents a generous summary of the qualities that made Bourdain a beloved public intellectual.