The History of Sound

A film set in America during the First World War. Lionel grew up on a farm in Kentucky. He learned from the songs his father sang and his voice is very good. In 1917 he goes to the conservatory in Boston. There he meets David, who is studying composition; he knows the songs, plays the piano, and something begins between them. David is drafted. Lionel's father dies and he goes home. The connection breaks. Years later David sends a letter. He has work: to go village by village through Maine recording folk songs. Wax cylinders are used for the recording and the equipment is heavy; everything has to be carried on the back. The two set out. They walk the countryside in winter, stay in houses and ask people to sing. The voices recorded are those of the old, of farmers and of children. What the film is interested in is the idea of recording: is capturing something a way of keeping it, or an admission that it has ended. The narrative continues past that journey and spreads over a long time. The source is Ben Shattuck's story. Paul Mescal plays Lionel and Josh O'Connor plays David. Oliver Hermanus directed. The film played in competition at Cannes. A strong production for anyone who likes calm period drama and narratives about music. For a viewer expecting pace, it moves slowly and builds its feeling in silence.