I know I’m late to the party… But hear me out, I have a theory that Lieutenant Havers suspected that The Captain was in love with him, but for Havers this is very unfamiliar territory.
We only get to know Havers through James flashbacks and it serves as a representation of his own closet homosexuality, rather than a true recollection of events. Every time we see Havers his demeanor towards James is ambivalent, not loving and yet not hostile. His expressions changes between curiosity and sadness, or an uncomfortable anticipation of what may happen next. There is obviously tension between them however.
I believe that Havers was intrigued by James personality from the start, that he felt that he had met someone special. Despite this, I think that Havers may not have had homosexual feelings prior to meeting James, which makes him very unsure of what to make of The Captains “hints” (as we can imagine have occurred prior to what the viewer is told). As their relationship progressed I believe Havers is choosing to leave for Africa to avoid a possibility of their relationship progressing, which would mean that he would have to deny or admit his attraction towards James, (something he is not ready to do).
At the same time, I do believe that Havers is searching for clues that he has been interpreting things wrong. This is most obvious in the scene when James says that he shall miss him, upon adding that of course “we” will miss him. Havers facial expressions changes from calm, to nervous, to relieved during James time talking, whereupon he begins to leave, but at the same time stops and turns around immediately when James speaks again, expressing anticipation. But, it is anti-climatic and he smiles politely and leaves, probably thinking that he did indeed interpret things wrong all this time… At least he tells himself this.
When they then meet again at the “reunion” Havers is glad to see James, but his anticipation fades as James is interrupted by another soldier. Havers then turns away. When James collapses he runs up to him imminently to assist and it is there he for the first time accepts that “he knew” James was in love with him. Yet, he is still composed enough not to let James touch his face and redirect him towards the swagger stick, then he gently and kindly strokes James hand briefly before pulling away.
In a room full of decorated soldiers, during a time when homosexuality was illegal, there isn’t much he could have done. Both James and Havers share additional intimacy in this scene when referring to their first names. BUT, lets not forget that one man is dying and the other tries to comfort him.
To sum up: There are three possibilities 1). That the feelings are mutual or 2). The feelings are not mutual but Havers cares deeply for James and suspects/knows that James feelings for him is beyond friendship, he may even feel conflicted to the fact that he is not appealed by this. 3). The feelings are mutual, but Havers hasn’t had enough time to understand what he is feeling (or he tries not to confront this).
vaporwave
yousharknotpass
