The History of Sound at Cannes
Liver Hermanus’s film, *The History of Sound*, has certainly garnered its admirers at the Cannes Film Festival. However, I found it to fall short of being a deeply moving or gracefully crafted film. Adapted from a short story by Ben Shattuck, it conveys a persistent mix of adoration and sorrow, which feels somewhat buried within its own melancholy.
Hermanus has a history of creating impactful films, some of which have an almost overwhelming beauty, masked under a layer of sophistication. *The History of Sound* follows two young men in the early 20th century—a singer and a musicologist—who meet at the Boston Conservatory just before the U.S. enters World War I. Their summer of 1920 consists of hiking in Maine, recording folk songs on wax cylinders, and sleeping outdoors, as their bond deepens until fate intervenes and tears them apart years later.
The singer, Lionel, is portrayed by Paul Mezcal, who brings a sense of perfect pitch and sensory awareness to the character. In contrast, David, played by Josh O’Connor, comes from a more affluent background, pursuing a career as an academic without the instinctual musical talent Lionel possesses.
Both Mezcal and O’Connor are undeniably talented actors, showcasing their skills effectively. Yet, their performances sometimes feel more passionate in different contexts rather than in this film. *The History of Sound* is a narrative centered on music and romance; however, it embodies the essence of a museum piece rather than a vibrant love story. The accents and dialogue seem meticulously rehearsed, lacking the rawness of genuine interaction, leaving the love scenes to feel somewhat muted.
There’s an acknowledgment of Lionel’s solitary travels through Italy and England, and the emotional weight of David’s relationship with a woman he marries after their idyllic summer. It’s a poignant moment that reflects kindness amidst loneliness, further explored in their eventual reunion, featuring wax cylinder technology, possibly echoing echoes of Graham Greene’s notable endings.
Despite the film’s high production values, it never truly ignites with raw emotion.
