Why "The History of Sound" Is Perfect for Film

The History of Sound is a quiet, richly layered story about memory, music, and the fleeting nature of love. It follows Lionel and David, two young men who set out to record American folk songs during the summer of 1919, only to find that what truly matters cannot be captured on wax cylinders. It is a story about what archives miss, about the spaces between sound, and about the tenderness of queer connection. In this video, I look at why Shattuck’s story feels almost destined for the screen, why MUBI is the perfect home for the adaptation, and why Oliver Hermanus’s involvement gives me so much hope for a film that honours the story’s quiet emotional power. Thank you for watching Film Gayze. If you enjoyed this essay, consider subscribing for more reflections on queer cinema, love stories, and the spaces where memory and film meet.