Paul Mescal Criticizes Comparisons Between "The History of Sound" and "Brokeback Mountain"

Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor star in a new film, The History of Sound, a poignant gay romance that has generated a mix of reviews and sparked comparisons to the 2005 classic Brokeback Mountain. However, Mescal has expressed dissatisfaction with these comparisons, labeling them as "lazy" and "frustrating."

Overview of the Film

Directed by Oliver Hermanus and based on Ben Shattuck's short story, The History of Sound features Mescal as Lionel and O'Connor as David. Set in 1917, the film follows two young music students at the Boston Conservatory who bond over their mutual love for folk music. Reconnecting years later, they embark on a journey across Maine to collect songs, forming memories that linger as they grow older and face life's challenges.

According to the official synopsis, "Two young music students, Lionel and David, attending the Boston Conservatory in 1917, bond over their shared love of folk music. They reconnect a few years later, embarking on a song collecting trip in the backwaters of Maine." As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of love, memory, and the passage of time.

Mixed Reviews and Comparisons

The film has received mixed reviews, with some critics drawing parallels to Brokeback Mountain, though not always favorably. Variety described The History of Sound as a "minimalist 'Masterpiece Theatre'-on-the-frontier riff on Brokeback," suggesting that it "mostly just sits there." Similarly, The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw critiqued it as "an anaemic, laborious, achingly tasteful film," likening it to a "quasi-Brokeback Mountain" with a tone of "mournful awe at its own sadness."

The Times went even further, labeling it "Brokeback for today," creating expectations that Mescal believes are misplaced.

Paul Mescal's Response

At the Cannes Film Festival, where the film premiered, Mescal addressed these comparisons head-on. "I personally don’t see the parallel at all between Brokeback Mountain, despite the fact that we spent a little bit of time in a tent," he remarked. Mescal emphasized that the themes of The History of Sound differ significantly from those in Brokeback Mountain. "When I look at Brokeback Mountain, it’s dealing with repression. This film is pointed in the opposite direction," he explained, underscoring that the narrative is not about the complications of sexuality but about the inevitability of life's divergent paths.

Director Oliver Hermanus echoed Mescal's sentiments, stating, "That movie wasn’t in our heads. It just shows there should be more forms about these nuances of queer relationships, beyond the context what most movies deal with." For Hermanus, the central conflict of the film arises from the characters' life choices rather than their identities.

Reception and Future Prospects

Despite some critical reviews, the film received a warm reception at Cannes, including a nine-minute standing ovation. Supporters have praised Mescal and O'Connor for their "compelling" performances, reinforcing the film's emotional impact.

Both actors are no strangers to queer cinema, with Mescal having appeared in All of Us Strangers and O'Connor in God's Own Country. However, critics like Bradshaw felt that the pair did not bring the same "passion" to The History of Sound.

As the film awaits a theatrical release date, audiences and critics alike continue to debate its merits and the validity of comparisons to Brokeback Mountain. Whether viewed as a successor to the iconic 2005 film or as a distinct narrative in its own right, The History of Sound invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of love and memory.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.