In fact, quite the contrary, you feel as if you have travelled a roller coaster of emotions into the depths of what it is to be human. He is haunted by the past, especially his childhood and his experiences in the Great War, but he seeks to live as he always has, flaunting his homosexuality, flirting outrageously with any young man who comes into his life, and delighting in the reactions he provokes from those around him.
Whale persuades Boone to sit for a drawing.
The more they talk the more Boone's open charm creeps under Whale's defenses, creating cracks in his public persona and leading him to talk honestly about himself and his life. The performances are superb. McKellen is so fascinating as Whale that it is easy to overlook the strength of the performances from both Redgrave and Fraser. If you thought the latter was just a pretty face, then think again, he can also act. Rather than sexuality the film is an exploration of a man, on the verge of death, who is desperately seeking to come to terms with his life.