Actor and model Travis Grant is a fan of gripping films and he has a hat to prove it. When we meet on Zoom, he’s wearing a cap with the logo of Elara – a production company started by the Safdie brothers, who are the masters behind the highly anxiety-inducing films like ‘Uncut Gems’ or ‘Good Time’. ‘They are just so good!’ he says. ‘Watching their work gives me that crazy rollercoaster ride feeling.’

Despite his adventurous taste in cinema, Grant seems to be chill personified - for him, an ideal day out in LA, where he lives, involves going for a hike in the Topanga Canyon and seeing a classic film at the Hollywood Forever Cemetry (and maybe some dancing after).

For us, he collaborates with photographer Hadar Pitchon on a series of intimate images and talks about his love for Batman, weirdest crushes and being comfortable in his body.

You’re based in LA. What are some of your favourite spots to hang out in?

I spend a lot of time in Highland Park. I’m also a big fan of Topanga Canyon – it’s so beautiful and there are a lot of great hikes out there. Oh, and definitely the Hollywood Forever’s outdoor cinema during the summer. I’m kind of a hermit though, to be honest.

When did you first realize that acting was something that you would like to do?

I remember that when I was three, I was really into the 1960s Adam West ‘Batman’ show, and one day, when my mom was getting ready for church and putting her pantyhose on, I remember running into the room and being like, ‘I want to wear pantyhose!’ My mom then said, ‘Little boys don’t normally wear pantyhose,’ to which I replied, ‘Batman wears pantyhose and I want to be Batman!’ So I was always really into that idea of playing make-believe and getting a job where you get to do that.

What in your view is the power of indie filmmaking?

With indie films there are no real big stakes, so you get to have more creative freedom there. And I think that freedom makes the storytelling feel more raw and artistic.

What’s one film you can watch over and over?

‘Batman Returns’, it was actually the first movie I ever saw in a theatre. I love that it focuses on three characters – Batman, Catwoman and Penguin – and how gothic and weird it is. I wish they would make more superhero movies like that now!

And what do you think are the hottest films of all time?

‘Closer’ is definitely one – I think it’s super sexy because of the detailed dialogues that the characters are having about the relationships with their partners. Other ones are ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, ‘Cruel Intentions’ and ‘The Dreamers’. The tortured lovers always get me! [laughs]

What’s your weirdest crush?

I don’t think I have any controversial crushes at the moment but when I was a kid, I always had crushes on older women and none of my friends understood that - I was super into Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green. I also had a huge crush on one of my high school teachers.

What brings you the most joy?

I love spontaneous, thoughtful, creative people. Low-key, I love working out and dancing - anything that gets my blood pumping.

When did you become comfortable in your body?

It took me a while to grow into my body - I was tall and lanky [when I was a teen]. I still kind of am, but I think the older I got, and thanks to modelling, I became more comfortable with it. Most paintings and sculptures [in history] are of nude figures, so I don’t think people should be ashamed of their bodies or shame others for showing their bodies. I’ll never get that.

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Hadar Pitchon