Elliot Page opens up about meaningful first shirtless scene in new movie
Elliot Page has opened up about his first shirtless scene since he came out as trans in 2020.
Page stars in, produced, and co-wrote new film Close To You, which is currently playing at the Toronto International Film Festival. The story follows Page as a trans man who reconnects with an old friend while on his way to the suburbs in Canada to reunite with his family.
The film starts with a near-silent scene of Sam getting out of bed and getting dressed before heading downstairs. While it's a short, simple scene, the moment had a big impact on The Umbrella Academy and Juno actor Page, who spoke to EW about the movie.
Related: The Umbrella Academy star Elliot Page: "There's no debate to trans people's existence"
"Shooting on the day, I was getting out of bed and getting dressed, it was sort of clumsy, like, 'Oh, it would be great, he sleeps shirtless.' In the moment when you're making this, you're making it from this instinctual place that I don't know how to describe," Page said.
"It just sort of happens, but at the same time, it just felt natural. Showing this dude who's comfortable and present and waking up in his body, that means a lot to me. I never thought I'd feel that way, so it's nice to get to act it."
Page said the role in the film was "liberating" and a highlight of his career as he never thought he'd get to express himself in this way. This follows Page's recent comments about how transitioning improved his life.
Related: The Umbrella Academy's Elliot Page is "grateful to be here" after transition
"The way I get to feel working now is far more embodied coming from that foundation, versus entering and not feeling that way. It's a huge shift. Doing something like this, complete improv, before, would've been close to impossible," Page said.
"The sensation of being able to do it and feel that present enough to do it, I just felt exhilarated every day. What a special film to do, first time [back on film], because it lets you feel embodied to the extreme."
Close To You is currently playing at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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