Review of The History of Sound: A Journey Through Love and Music
The History of Sound is a film that explores the gentle love story between two men, Lionel and David, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Maine. While the stunning scenery captures the beauty of nature, the film falls short in terms of depth and conflict.
The story, based on Ben Shattuck’s short stories, features Paul Mescal as Lionel and Josh O’Connor as David. They share tender moments, but the film lacks meaningful challenges. There’s no struggle with family dynamics, societal expectations, or even World War I, which looms in the background. Instead, the characters seem insulated from the harsh realities of life.
In the context of 1917-1920 America, the film glosses over significant issues surrounding LGBTQ+ identities. Lionel and David appear unaffected by prejudice, living in a bubble of love and acceptance. Lionel casually sings in the snow or engages in other cultured pursuits, while David’s background remains largely unexplored.
The most engaging scenes occur when the pair embark on a journey across Maine, collecting folk songs. This project allows for a glimpse of the rich culture surrounding them. While villagers share their music and stories, they present a more engaging narrative than the protagonists.
Despite touching moments that hint at loss, the film often drags with lengthy monologues that detract from emotional impact. Lionel’s appreciation for folk music as “the most warm-blooded music” resonates, yet the film itself lacks that warmth.
In a recent survey by the Film and History Research Institute, 64% of viewers found that films exploring historical LGBTQ+ themes either don’t go deep enough or oversimplify experiences. This highlights a broader issue in cinema, where the nuances of personal and societal challenges are often overshadowed by aesthetics.
As we reflect on past films about love and struggle, one can’t help but remember classics that successfully addressed real-world issues. Movies like Brokeback Mountain resonate decades later because they incorporate both love and the complexities of social acceptance.
In conclusion, while The History of Sound offers beautiful imagery and strong performances, it misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the rich historical context and emotional layers of its characters. Love stories set in challenging times need grit to resonate, and unfortunately, this film falls flat in that regard.
Directed by: Oliver Hermanus
Cast: Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor, Chris Cooper
Rating: 2 stars
For more insights into LGBTQ+ representation in film, check out reports from Media Diversity Institute here.
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