Paul Mescal Film Fails to Connect Emotionally – The Irish Times Review

Review Summary: The History of Sound

This review of “The History of Sound,” starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, is largely negative, despite acknowledging the film’s technical merits and the actors’ performances. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

* Premise & Potential: The film boasts an intriguing premise – two young, intellectual men in post-WWI America documenting the roots of American folk music. The review highlights the appeal of this concept, particularly the connection to the origins of music that would later dominate the 20th century.
* Failed Expectations: Despite a muted Cannes premiere, the film hasn’t gained traction and is predicted to be overshadowed by Mescal’s other recent success, “Hamnet.”
* Strengths: The cinematography is praised for evocatively capturing a rural American landscape. The chemistry between Mescal and O’Connor is also noted as strong, particularly in the early stages.
* Weaknesses:

* Pacing & Plot: The film loses momentum in its final 40 minutes,becoming “too polite” and meandering.
* Underdeveloped Core: The central focus on the musicological research and its past significance is sidelined in favor of a less compelling psychological drama.
* Relationship Issues: While comparisons to “Brokeback Mountain” are dismissed by Mescal, the review finds unavoidable narrative echoes, but lacking the emotional impact of the earlier film. The screenplay doesn’t fully develop the central relationship.
* Baffling Choices: The ending is criticized for a strange music cue.
* Overall Impression: The film is described as “classy,” “gorgeous to look at,” and “nice to listen to,” but ultimately “easily forgotten.” It feels like a film searching for an emotional core that it never quite finds.

In essence,the review suggests that “The History of Sound” is a beautifully made but ultimately disappointing film that doesn’t live up to its promising premise. It’s a film with potential that remains largely unrealized.