He also has six-pack abs that, even though I stopped drinking 25 years ago, could seriously threaten my sobriety. Close To You opens with the actor walking around without a shirt, a mesmerizing image that perfectly signifies the personal pinnacle he has achieved by becoming himself. I think Page should do all his films without a shirt, like Chuck Norris in Silent Rage or Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Page’s torso is perfectly sculpted and would look great brandishing a sword or even a two-by-four, Walking Tall style. When not speaking, Page radiates a power that ripples like silent thunder. But it is that supernova bright smile that will define his screen presence moving forward, replacing the trademark glower he wore for so many years.
“…ultra-real, ultra-important, ultra-fascinating, and ultra-recommended.”
As Page is arguably the highest profile trans man on the planet, he has an unasked-for obligation on his shoulders to make the definitive trans man movie. And by Jove, I think he got it! The story Page crafted with Savage is a brilliant pinball machine of domestic pain, with the kind of family themes recognizable to a broad audience, queer or otherwise. The director uses a handheld camera style with mostly improvised dialogue. This technique is supposed to make the movie more realistic, which I was at first skeptical of, as I have seen this method fail a few times. But instead of drooping, the drama kept rising higher and higher. The depth achieved here can be attributed to the amazing improvised dialogue. Page obviously has a lot to say about this subject, and he says it well. There is this crucial line that goes something like, “Why is it that everyone is concerned now that I am happy because when I was at my most unhappy, everyone was the least worried about me.”
Director of Photography Catherine Lutes flies the chaotic camera movements like a kite, swooping in and out with an invisible high precision. I also love the expressionistic color palette, with those dull autumn tones that capture the flavor of isolation. The choice of scene content and order is genius, as the story becomes riveting and juicy in ways not anticipated. There are also so many special details that increase the verisimilitude, such as the longshoreman outfit Sam wears indoors and outdoors in order to present male. This is some strong stuff, people. Close To You is ultra-real, ultra-important, ultra-fascinating, and ultra-recommended.
"…Page radiates a power that ripples like silent thunder."
