Oliver Hermanus’ film THE HISTORY OF SOUND is the the right film for hopeless romantics, incredibly sad but also comforting. The film is set in the early 20th century and is about Lionel (Paul Mescal), the son of a farmer, whose singing talent enables him to get a scholarship at a conservatory in Boston, and about his friendship – and love – for David (Josh O’Connor), who is studying composition and passionately collects old folk songs. After World War I, the two of them go on an expedition in Maine in order to record folk songs with a phonograph.

On their trip, David and Lionel are in a frenzy of happiness and love. But the expedition ends in the summer, the still bright film returns to its dark, earth-colored tone. This second separation after the war feels final. Instead of planning their future together, David advises his friend to pursue a career as a singer. It’s only after two successful career episodes and less successful love episodes that Lionel returns to collecting songs. How that comes to pass and what comes of it will remain a secret. THE HISTORY OF SOUND tries to find a visual language that allows you to almost touch the music. Nature becomes a feeling, a feeling for music. Therefore, although a red dress may shine impressively, it remains a discordant note. Preserving love is what connects Lionel and David, even when they’re unable to preserve their own love. Or does archival work becomes a form of preserving lost love? Folk singer/songwriter Sam Amidon, who taught Mescal and O’Connor folk singing, says folk music is the only recording of the inner landscape of workers during that time. With the songs, their love and their pain disappeared. That’s what the film is also about, in a moving, very tender way.

Tom Dorow

Translation: Elinor Lewy