Elliot Page recently released his memoir, “Pageboy,” offering readers a glimpse into various tales from his life and personal transformation.
Previously known as Ellen Page and born as a girl, Page declared himself as a transgender man in December 2020; the actor became notable for his role in X-Men, in which he played Kitty Pride, and has been candidly sharing his experiences.
One chapter that stands out recounts his time on the set of Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” in 2010, where Page felt an uncomfortable sense of alienation among a predominantly heterosexual male cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
During the filming of “Inception,” when Page was just 22 years old, he experienced a sense of anxiety amidst a cast composed mostly of cisgender men (Men who are born men and identify as men).
“Shingles popped out of my spine while filming ‘Inception’ when I was 22, Despite everyone being delightful to work with, I felt out of place. In a cast full of cis men, I did not understand the role I found myself in.”
While acknowledging their kindness towards him, Page couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place. In those early weeks, he even joked about being replaced by Keira Knightly, believing that the production would proceed smoothly without him. “For the first two weeks of the film I joked I would be recast with Keira Knightley, and rightfully so.”
The onset of shingles, Page explains, symbolized the stress his body was enduring, expressing what his words couldn’t convey. In the opening chapter of the memoir, Page reflects on a pivotal experience that occurred several months before filming “Juno” in 2007.
The X-men star vividly recalls an evening spent at a gay bar with his partner, Paula. It marked his first and, as he reveals, his last visit to such an establishment for a long time. Stepping onto the dance floor with Paula ignited a profound transformation within him. The room was filled with joy, and as Paula lifted him up, his jaw snapped, causing an unrestrained smile to emerge.
In that moment, as he kissed Paula, Page allowed himself to briefly indulge in the possibility of exploring his desires and dreams, free from the burdensome weight of self-loathing that had plagued him for years.
However, as he acknowledges, much can change within a few months, and soon after, “Juno” would premiere, propelling Page into the spotlight.
“Pageboy” offers an intimate glimpse into Elliot Page’s personal journey, showcasing the challenges and moments of self-discovery that have shaped his life and career. Through his memoir, he aims to share his truth and provide inspiration for others navigating their own paths of self-acceptance and identity exploration.
