| Director: | Oliver Hermanus |
| Starring: | |
| Cinematography: | Alexander Dynan |
| Language: | English |
The History of Sound is an upcoming historical romantic drama film 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.
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.[1] At the end of October 2021, the film was announced along with its leads Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor. Producers include Lisa Ciuffetti, Andrew Kortschak, and Andrea Roa, as well as Tim Haslam for Embankment Films and Sara Murphy. In January 2023, it was confirmed that casting for supporting roles was underway.[2]
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.[4] Production was rescheduled for after Hermanus completed Mary & George,[5] starting in Massachusetts.[2] In January 2024, it was reported that principal photography would begin soon;[6] Hermanus confirmed it officially commenced on 28 February.[7]
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,[8] and O'Connor and Mescal were photographed together in costume for the first time.[9]
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.[10]