'History of Sound' Praised for Love, Cinematography

'The History of Sound,' directed by Oliver Hermanus and starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, receiving a six-minute standing ovation despite mixed critical reviews. The film is set in 1919 and follows two men traveling through rural New England to collect folk songs, with Mescal's singing performance receiving particular praise. Critics highlighted the movie's beautiful cinematography while noting its pacing and emotional depth fell short of expectations. Mescal rejected comparisons to 'Brokeback Mountain,' characterizing the film as a celebration of love rather than repression. He also remarked on Hollywood's shift away from traditional 'alpha male' roles, reflecting changing portrayals of masculinity. O’Connor was absent from the premiere due to other filming commitments.