Paul Mescal on 'The History of Sound', On-Screen Chemistry, and Queer Storytelling at Cannes

'The History of Sound' - A Deeply Romantic Drama

• 🎶 The film 'The History of Sound' is described as a deeply romantic and fascinating exploration of a man's life journey, focusing on untraveled roads and formative relationships.
• 💡 It highlights music as the fabric between two people, exploring how that music endures through their relationship and memories.

Paul Mescal's Attraction to the Role

• 🎭 Mescal was drawn to the character of Ben because he is a character who doesn't overextend towards the audience, making him challenging and interesting to play.
• ✍️ He felt a personal connection to this type of man and found the writing exceptionally good, clearly conveying the character's inner life and unspoken emotions.

Director's Vision and Actor Chemistry

• 🤝 Director Oliver Hermanus was desperate to work with both Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor, having met them in real life, which contributed to a natural working relationship.
• ❤️ Mescal attributes the incredible on-screen chemistry with Josh O'Connor to their genuine liking for each other, both as actors and as individuals, making their interactions feel very natural.
• 🎤 It was known that Mescal could sing, a fact that was apparently shared with the director, potentially influencing casting.

Rise of Queer Storytelling at Cannes

• 🏳️‍🌈 The festival is showcasing a wave of queer love stories, reflecting the rise of authentic queer filmmakers telling stories that resonate with their lived experiences.
• ✨ These films are important because they show queer lives beyond just struggles, offering happy narratives that provide confidence and a sense of self to queer audiences.
• 🎬 The shift in storytelling means films are no longer pitched solely to gain straight audiences' interest in queer struggles but are now focused on representing queer lives more broadly, including drama and tragedy without solely relying on the 'coming out' narrative.

Behind the Scenes at Cannes

• ✈️ The Cannes Film Festival involves significant glamour, including helicopter arrivals for VIP guests, with pilots who have transported numerous celebrities.
• 💄 On-the-ground preparations include extensive makeovers and styling to ensure stars are red carpet ready for the thousands of photographers.
• 🍸 A unique aspect involves a bartender creating special cocktails using ingredients like honey from his own beehives and locally picked flowers, enhancing the sensory experience.

Festival Goers' Perspectives and Predictions

• 🧐 Festival attendees have seen a variety of films, with mixed opinions on titles like 'Alpha' and 'The Phoenician Scheme'.
• 🏆 Predictions for the Palme d'Or include films like 'SRA' and 'Die My Love', though buzz also surrounds 'Alpha', with anticipation for the final awards ceremony.