Introduction to a Period Drama

The Cannes Film Festival has premiered a new period drama featuring two of Hollywood’s most popular male actors as lovers who make music together. However, the film lacks passion and urgency, which are essential elements for a compelling story.

A Daring Project with Conventional Approach

The movie is considered a daring project due to its expensive Hollywood budget and the portrayal of a same-sex romance. Despite this, the film’s approach is strangely old-fashioned and conventional, resembling a long-lost film from the 1980s or 1990s. The story follows Lionel, a farm boy from Kentucky, and David, a composition student, as they navigate their relationship and pursue their passion for music.

The Story Unfolds

Lionel, played by Paul Mescal, has a perfect pitch and a remarkable vocal voice, which secures him a place in a Boston conservatory. He meets David, played by Josh O’Connor, and they start a relationship that is remarkably problem-free. Their romance continues until David is drafted into World War I, and Lionel has to return to his family farm. After the war, David invites Lionel to join him on a road trip, where they collect folk ballads and sleep under the stars.

Underwhelming Experience

Despite the attractive surface of the film, with its talented lead actors and beautiful scenery, the story lacks depth and examination. The characters’ lives are portrayed as too smooth, with no real challenges or conflicts. The film’s pace is leisurely, and the ending is prolonged, with several scenes feeling like the last one. The script, adapted from a short story, feels longer than its two-hour runtime.

A Polite and Polished Film

The film’s director, Oliver Hermanus, has created a visually stunning movie with flawless costumes and settings. However, this attention to detail cannot compensate for the lack of passion and urgency in the story. The film’s most romantic sequence, where Lionel and David harmonize in the forest, is a rare moment of emotional depth. The rest of the film feels like a missed opportunity to explore the characters’ emotions and relationships.

Conclusion

The film’s failure to deliver a compelling story is ironic, given Lionel’s speech about the importance of folk music being passionate, raw, and chaotic. The movie’s polite and polished approach undermines its potential, leaving the audience with a sense of disappointment. The history of sound is a film that could have been more, but ultimately, it falls short of expectations.