As seen in the video at the top of this page, I spoke with Alan Ball and Paul Bettany during the virtual press day for Uncle Frank a couple weeks ago, and it was after I asked about the then-and-now aspect of the film as a period piece that Bettany opened up about his friend.
Said the actor,.
I have a friend who is a first assistant director, who will remain nameless, who is still closeted to his family.