The History of Sound

The History of Sound
Directed byOliver Hermanus
Written byOliver Hermanus
Ben Shattuck
Based on"The History of Sound"
by Ben Shattuck
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyAlexander Dynan
Production
companies
Countries
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

The History of Sound is an upcoming historical romantic drama film written and directed by Oliver Hermanus. Based on the short story of the same name by Ben Shattuck, it's about the relationship of two young men (Josh O'Connor and Paul Mescal) who meet in 1916 and then travel together in the summer of 1919 to record the folk songs of their countrymen in rural New England.

Cast

Production

Hermanus landed the job of director just as the COVID-19 pandemic started and developed the script with Shattuck during lockdown from his home in Barrydale, South Africa.[2] At the end of October 2021, the film was announced along with its leads Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor.[3] Producers include Lisa Ciuffetti, Andrew Kortschak, and Andrea Roa, as well as Tim Haslam for Embankment Films[4] and Sara Murphy. In January 2023, it was confirmed that casting for supporting roles was underway.[5]

Principal photography was originally going to take place on location in the United Kingdom, United States, and Italy in summer 2022,[3] but was postponed because Mescal and O'Connor had scheduling conflicts.[6] Production was rescheduled for after Hermanus completed Mary & George,[7] starting in Massachusetts.[5] In January 2024, it was reported that principal photography would begin soon;[8] Hermanus confirmed it officially commenced on 28 February.[9]

Crew allegedly attached to The History of Sound were spotted at the restaurant 10th & Willow in Hoboken, New Jersey, which was closed for filming in early March,[10] and O'Connor and Mescal were photographed together in costume for the first time.[11]

Another location that The History of Sound was filmed at is the Oakley Farm Museum in Freehold Township, New Jersey. The blacksmith shop, located at the rear of the property, was turned into a Maine cabin and visited by stars Mescal and O'Connor. The location was one of two in the entire state that End Cue and Film4 were seeking. [12]

Release

In June 2024, it was reported the film would not be ready in time for the autumn festivals due to its score and sound production, and would instead aim for a 2025 Cannes Film Festival debut.[4]

References

  1. ^ Ritman, Alex (November 14, 2024). "Paul Mescal Lands First Producer Credit on Gay Romance 'History of Sound' Co-Starring Josh O'Connor". Variety. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
  2. ^ Eloff, Herman (29 October 2021). "SA filmmaker Oliver Hermanus to direct new film starring Josh O'Connor and Paul Mescal". Channel24. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  3. ^ a b Hipes, Patrick (29 October 2021). "Josh O'Connor And Paul Mescal To Star In 'The History Of Sound'; Oliver Hermanus To Direct WWI Love Story – AFM". Deadline. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  4. ^ a b Anderson, Erik (8 June 2024). "'The History of Sound' Won't Be Ready for Fall Festivals, Aims for Cannes 2025 (Exclusive)". Awards Watch. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b Welch, Rebecca (18 January 2023). "Kick Off 2023 By Getting Cast in Films With Paul Mescal, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and More". Backstage. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  6. ^ James, Alastair (19 May 2022). "Paul Mescal says gay drama The History of Sound with Josh O'Connor won't happen this year". Attitude. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  7. ^ McKay, Bronwyn (19 May 2023). "Oliver Hermanus' delayed film with Josh O'Connor and Paul Mescal coming to fruition – 3 years later". News24. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  8. ^ James, Alastair (11 January 2024). "Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor led The History of Sound reported to begin filming". Attitude. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  9. ^ Damshenas, Sam (5 March 2024). "The History of Sound director says Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor are "on fire" in gay drama". Gay Times. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  10. ^ Impaglia, Samantha (5 March 2024). "The History of Sound Starring Paul Mescal Filming at 10th + Willow in Hoboken". Hoboken Girl. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  11. ^ Anderton, Joe (11 March 2024). "First look at Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor in new gay romance". Digital Spy. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  12. ^ Polverino, Cheryl (2024). "Spring-Summer 2024 Newsletter - Freehold Township Heritage Society". Freehold Township Heritage Society. Retrieved 27 September 2024.