To a certain extent, memoirs are often boring. Unless the celebrity has a tell-all packed full of salacious encounters, it's often best left to the fans. In the case of Elliot Page's highly touted "Pageboy," it's a much different story. As a trans man who grew up being seen as the "it girl" of indie cinema, the struggle to be seen and accepted for himself was a journey that took him well into adulthood. That pathways to eventual acceptance weren't without some emotional turmoil and regret, and "Pageboy" delivers one of the most vulnerable and engrossing discussions of transmasculine identity that has hit the mainstream. Even in stories of more mundane familial conflicts, Page does an excellent job of painting the struggle to be yourself. This isn't everyone's story. It's just Page's. That may not seem like much, but it hopefully inspires readers to find their own journeys and not feel less alone in whatever they're struggling to achieve.
A common reality of transgender individuals is that the answers don't always come at once. For Page, that came with the comfort of acting, but the discomfort of dressing feminine. As she became a performer at such a young age, she found herself navigating a world that was expecting certain things of her while she was struggling to form her own independence. Throughout the chapters, there's a mix of Hollywood behind-the-scenes stories as told by a Canadian transplant as there are quiet moments where Page has no choice but to cry and feel a sense of isolation that isn't entirely clear. There is a disconnect from the world around him.
More than the frank honesty about depression and dysphoria, Page's story is about finding queer joy in other ways. As much as he fell victim to a misogynistic industry, he was able to connect with like-minded people and find these fleeting moments of joy. Even within the structure of a tell-all, Page manages to suggest a slow progression. Every year gets more and more complex, with mundane encounters holding deeper weight. Some are just anecdotes, but others will become life affirming. Because of his prose, the reader can't help but root for Page on his journey to self-acceptance. He's critical, but not in a mean-spirited way. Everything helped to build his current state, and it's beautiful.
In recent years, especially as transgender issues become more discussed, Page isn't unaware of his place in the conversation. As one of the most famous and recognizable transmasculine celebrities, he uses his influence to promote compassion. It is likely because of the many pages in this book dedicated to breaking apart the taboos. There is pain, but the final chapter ultimately ends with him dancing, surrounded by people who make him feel safe. It's a message of hope that no matter what happens, the reader can hopefully find peace in adulthood. Life can get better. Even if simply looked at as an empathy-building chain, "Pageboy" does a lot to convey a complicated struggle in accessible and more universal terms. Even if this is uncompromising in vision, there's something for readers to take away and feel connected. Page knows the value of the written word and uses it to full effect. It may help to be a fan of his films like Juno and Inception, but even if you're not, there's a lot to take away. It's a celebration of life like no other, and one that everyone should be privy to knowing in their own way.
No comments:
Post a Comment