#please let this be true
I’m… going to make a prediction. and I’m not sure if this is right, or entirely plausible.
but I was looking at the way this gifset lays out the shots of Guy Dexter in the trailer–specifically the shot of Anna and Daisy walking away from him all giggly–and it hit me again that I don’t think the shot of Guy Dexter touching Thomas is unequivocally, unobjectionally meant as a pass at him. yes, it’s affectionate, but people can be affectionate, and there’s a whole character trope of Flamboyant Theatre Person (gay or not) who is touchy feely over the top with people. and that + the indulgent look on his face in the second gif got me thinking.
what if Guy Dexter has an offscreen long-term partner? I know it’s a bit early for the real golden age of cinema, and I’ll admit that era isn’t my forte, but the idea of a gay actor in this era whose image as a sex symbol is heavily pushed by the studio as a cover for his private life isn’t at all outrageous. the last movie introduced Thomas to a gay social scene, and it would actually be a great progression to have this one introduce him to a gay mentor figure who can model a long term relationship. and I actual do trust the writers to handle that in a sensitive way, as opposed to the monogamy/nonmonogamy thing which I know a lot of people are leery of.
In that context, the chest touch could actual be something totally different. For example… Thomas sharing a gift from his lover that he keeps in the inner pocket of his jacket, which he is too nervous to wear openly, and sometimes he thinks maybe things are a little hopeless and muddled and he should stop carrying it everywhere? And Guy Dexter responds with some sage advice, Love Conquers All, I’ve been there kid but check out this lighter my boyfriend gave me ten years ago that I always keep with me–you’ll get there. Little pat to the hidden love token in Thomas’s pocket, friendly smile as he leaves, and Thomas is left looking a little stunned at the possibility of a fragile relationship lasting that long?
Genuinely I have no idea where that scene is going and this is like the third or fourth scenario that’s come to mind lol. But I think if I had to put money down, it would be on this one.
