Paul Mescal Responds: Comparing His Romance with Josh O’Connor to Brokeback Mountain is ‘Lazy’ and ‘Frustrating’

The actor Paul Mescal recently addressed critics who compared his new film, The History of Sound, to the classic Brokeback Mountain. This movie features a gay romance, with Mescal co-starring alongside Josh O’Connor.

At a Cannes press conference, Mescal shared his views on how cinema is evolving. He believes that we’re moving away from traditional, masculine roles. “I think it’s ever-shifting,” he said. He emphasized that the focus of The History of Sound is on the unique relationship between his character, Lionel, and O’Connor’s character, David.

When asked about the comparisons to Brokeback Mountain, Mescal responded, “I don’t personally see the parallels at all.” While he acknowledged that Brokeback Mountain is a beautiful film, he pointed out that it explores themes of repression. In contrast, he feels that The History of Sound celebrates love between the two men rather than suppressing it.

Mescal also praised O’Connor, calling him an easy person to connect with. They had known each other for about five years before filming, and their friendship blossomed during production. Interestingly, they bonded over a shared love for Jolly Ranchers, a favorite sweet treat. “Josh is incredibly silly to me,” Mescal added, highlighting the light-hearted moments they shared on set.

The premiere of The History of Sound was received positively, though not as enthusiastically as some other films showcased at the festival. O’Connor is also set to star in The Mastermind, while Mescal will portray William Shakespeare in a new adaptation of Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao.

Recent trends show a growing acceptance of diverse narratives and characters in film, as audiences increasingly seek stories that reflect a wide range of experiences. According to a study by the Geena Davis Institute, films featuring LGBTQ+ themes have risen in popularity, indicating a shift in the industry’s storytelling approach.

As Mescal noted, cinema is changing. These developments suggest a promising future for more inclusive and authentic representations of love and relationships on screen.

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