Introduction: A New Narrative at Cannes

In May 2025, the Cannes Film Festival premiered The History of Sound, a gay romance directed by South African filmmaker Oliver Hermanus and starring Irish actor Paul Mescal and British actor Josh O’Connor. Competing for the Palme d’Or, the film has sparked comparisons to Ang Lee’s 2005 classic, Brokeback Mountain. However, Mescal and Hermanus have rejected these parallels, calling them “lazy” and emphasizing the unique story of their film. This article explores the significance of The History of Sound, its place in queer cinema, the legacy of Brokeback Mountain, and the broader cultural and historical contexts shaping these narratives.

The History of Sound: A Story of Love and Music

Synopsis and Setting

The History of Sound, adapted from Ben Shattuck’s short story collection, follows Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O’Connor), two young men who meet as students before World War I. Their romance blossoms as they collaborate on a project to record American folk music, set against the backdrop of a nation on the cusp of transformation. Unlike Brokeback Mountain, which focused on a secretive and tragic love story, this film explores love through intellectual and artistic partnership.

The pre-World War I setting is rich with historical significance. The early 20th century was a period of rapid change in America, as industrialization reshaped rural traditions. The folk music project reflects efforts to preserve cultural heritage, adding depth to the characters’ bond.

A Departure from Tragedy

Director Oliver Hermanus has emphasized that the film is not about the “complication of their sexuality” but about the personal challenges that keep Lionel and David apart, such as competing loves and ambitions. This focus on emotional complexity sets the film apart from traditional queer narratives that center on societal rejection.

“What was going to keep them apart was the assumption that they might have other loves in their life.” — Oliver Hermanus

Paul Mescal’s Critique: Challenging Lazy Comparisons

Rejecting the Brokeback Mountain Parallel

At a Cannes press conference on May 22, 2025, Paul Mescal expressed frustration with critics comparing The History of Sound to Brokeback Mountain. He argued that the only similarity is a brief tent scene, dismissing the comparison as superficial.

“I personally don’t see the parallels at all between Brokeback Mountain other than the fact that we spend a little bit of time in a tent. It’s a celebration of these two men’s love.” — Paul Mescal

Mescal’s comments highlight a broader issue: the tendency to reduce queer films to familiar templates, limiting their ability to stand on their own.

The Burden of a Landmark Film

Brokeback Mountain is often seen as the definitive gay romance film, a benchmark that overshadows new works. Its iconic status stems from its raw portrayal of forbidden love and its cultural impact, but Mescal’s critique suggests that such comparisons can oversimplify unique stories.

Oliver Hermanus on Queer Representation

A Call for More Nuanced Stories

Hermanus echoed Mescal’s sentiments, arguing that the scarcity of queer romance films forces critics to rely on outdated reference points like Brokeback Mountain, released 20 years ago.

“The fact that the previous incarnation of something that can be comparable is 20 years ago obviously just shows that there should be more films about the dynamics and the nuances of queer relationships.” — Oliver Hermanus

Hermanus’s prior work, such as Moffie, demonstrates his commitment to nuanced queer storytelling, and The History of Sound continues this approach by focusing on emotional authenticity.

Avoiding Sensationalism

Hermanus emphasized that the film prioritizes emotional intimacy over physical spectacle, avoiding the expectation of explicit sex scenes.

“It was never about we have to have loads of sex scenes and the world needs to (see) Paul and Josh (get) their kit off.” — Oliver Hermanus

The Legacy of Brokeback Mountain

A Cultural Milestone

Released in 2005, Brokeback Mountain depicted the clandestine love story of Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). Its explicit tent scene and tragic ending made it a landmark in queer cinema, winning three Academy Awards and sparking conversations about homophobia and masculinity.

A 2020 Williams Institute study found that the film increased empathy for queer individuals among heterosexual audiences, but its tragic narrative reinforced the “tragic queer” trope.

Impact and Limitations

While Brokeback Mountain broke barriers, its focus on tragedy may have perpetuated the idea that queer love is inherently doomed. Filmmakers like Hermanus seek to challenge this by centering joy and connection.

Queer Cinema in the 21st Century

Progress in Representation

Since Brokeback Mountain, films like Moonlight, Call Me by Your Name, and Portrait of a Lady on Fire have expanded queer narratives, exploring diverse identities and settings. These films often prioritize joy and self-discovery over tragedy.

However, a 2023 GLAAD report found that only 18.6% of 2022’s major studio releases included LGBTQ characters, with fewer than half focusing on queer relationships. This underscores the need for more mainstream queer stories.

The Need for Diversity

Hermanus’s call for nuanced queer films aligns with the push for diverse representation, challenging stereotypes and expanding the scope of queer storytelling.

Historical Context: Queer Life in Pre-WWI America

Queer Subcultures

The History of Sound is set in the early 20th century, a period rarely explored in queer cinema. George Chauncey’s Gay New York documents discreet queer communities in urban areas, but rural settings offered fewer opportunities for open expression.

The Folk Music Movement

The film’s folk music project reflects real historical efforts to preserve American traditions, led by figures like John Lomax. This cultural backdrop enriches the characters’ bond, grounding their romance in a shared creative purpose.

Cannes as a Platform for Queer Stories

A Global Stage

Cannes has championed queer films like Carol and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and The History of Sound’s Palme d’Or competition underscores the festival’s commitment to diverse voices.

Hermanus’s Unique Perspective

Hermanus’s South African background, shaped by his work on Moffie, brings a fresh lens to this American story, amplifying its global resonance.

Critical Reception and the Burden of Comparison

Early Reviews

Variety described The History of Sound as “‘Brokeback Mountain on sedatives,” while The Guardian noted its “persistent mournful awe.” These reviews highlight the challenge of escaping Brokeback Mountain’s shadow.

Engaging on Its Own Terms

By focusing on emotional intimacy, the film challenges expectations of explicitness or tragedy, urging critics to engage with its unique narrative.

The Performances: Mescal and O’Connor

Paul Mescal’s Vulnerability

Mescal, known for Normal People and Gladiator II, brings quiet intensity to Lionel, drawing on his ability to convey complex emotions.

Josh O’Connor’s Nuance

O’Connor, acclaimed for The Crown and God’s Own Country, complements Mescal with his nuanced portrayal, grounding their chemistry in authenticity.

The Future of Queer Cinema

Embracing Positive Narratives

The History of Sound aligns with a trend toward positive queer stories, as seen in Love, Simon and Happiest Season, celebrating love without centering pain.

Exploring Historical Contexts

By setting its story in the early 20th century, the film uncovers underrepresented queer histories, aligning with scholarship like Susan Stryker’s Transgender History.

Conclusion: Toward a More Inclusive Cinema

The History of Sound challenges the legacy of Brokeback Mountain by offering a fresh, nuanced queer narrative. Its focus on joy and collaboration, combined with its historical setting, paves the way for a more inclusive future in queer cinema. As it competes at Cannes, the film has the potential to reshape perceptions and inspire more diverse stories.