Gods and Monsters

The film primarily evokes deep **sadness** and **melancholy** as it portrays the poignant decline of James Whale, a once-celebrated director, grappling with illness, loneliness, and the bittersweet memories of his past. **Empathy** is a strong audience response, drawing viewers into Whale's complex character and his yearning for connection, despite his manipulative tendencies. **Nostalgia** arises from his vivid flashbacks to his filmmaking heyday and his traumatic experiences in WWI. A pervasive sense of **curiosity** keeps the audience engaged in unraveling Whale's true intentions and the evolving, unusual bond with Clayton Boone. **Anxiety** and a slightly **disturbing** undertone emerge from Whale's deteriorating health, his unconventional desires, and the unsettling 'ulterior motives' that drive the plot towards its tragic yet profound conclusion. Amidst these, a fragile form of **love** or profound connection develops between the two disparate men.