Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor: Intimacy, Vulnerability, and a Future Rationed
A seemingly innocuous bet on Paul Mescal’s Oscar chances sparked a revealing conversation about artistry, vulnerability, and the pressures of fame, as the actor and his The History of Sound co-star, Josh O’Connor, reflected on their careers and future paths.the initial awkwardness of the wager – initially mistaken for a prediction of a tragic early demise – quickly gave way to a deeper exploration of their craft and the emotional toll it can take.
From Normal People to Shakespeare: Mescal’s Rapid Ascent
Mescal’s breakthrough role in the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People catapulted him to stardom, a trajectory swiftly followed by an Oscar nomination in 2023 for his subtly devastating performance in Charlotte Wells’s Aftersun. The film, portraying a young father concealing his inner turmoil during a Turkish holiday with his daughter, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Despite losing to Brendan Fraser’s performance in The Whale at the Academy Awards, Mescal expressed gratitude for the “vote of confidence.”
O’Connor, who portrays Mescal’s lover in the new wartime drama The History of Sound, recalled congratulating Mescal on Normal People back in 2020, marking the beginning of their friendship. He described Aftersun as “quietly devastating” and praised Mescal’s ability to convey profound emotion with restraint. O’Connor himself has taken on challenging roles, including Prince Charles in the Crown and, more recently, as Shakespeare in Hamnet and O’Connor’s appearances in Wake Up Dead Man and The Mastermind, both actors expressed immense pride in the project, having remained committed to it for four years despite funding challenges.
The Physical and emotional Demands of Performance
Mescal revealed the rigorous physical change he underwent for the Gladiator sequel, dropping from 90 to 78 kilos in eight weeks. Despite enjoying the experience, he emphasized that The History of Sound felt like “home,” a more pleasant and fulfilling creative space. He expressed a desire to prioritize projects with similar emotional resonance over large-scale productions.
The film’s use of song, though not a traditional musical, adds a layer of vulnerability to the narrative.O’connor noted that singing, despite his own insecurities, is an inherently vulnerable act, while Mescal described the anticipatory silence before a song in an Irish pub as “deafening.”
A future of Rationed Creativity
In a surprising revelation, Mescal indicated a growing need to “ration” his work.”I’m gonna have to start doing that. Without a doubt,” he stated, explaining that emotionally demanding films like The History of Sound take a meaningful toll.He hinted at a potential return to the stage for extended periods and a desire to prioritize personal life.
This sentiment was echoed by O’Connor, who announced his intention to take time off as well. Both actors acknowledged the fear of losing visibility but ultimately prioritized avoiding resentment towards their craft. Mescal wryly suggested he hoped to disappear from public view until his role as Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes’s upcoming beatles films in 2028, allowing both himself and audiences a respite.
The conversation also touched upon the lasting impact of roles on actors, with O’Connor referencing a sentiment expressed by Jessie Buckley: actors are “soul collectors.” He noted that characters leave an imprint, and Mescal concurred, acknowledging the enduring influence of Aftersun.
Ultimately,both mescal and O’Connor seem to be grappling with the delicate balance between artistic fulfillment and personal well-being,recognizing the need to protect their creative energy and prioritize a sustainable path forward. “the nightmare is resenting the work,” O’Connor concluded, a sentiment that encapsulates the evolving priorities of two of contemporary cinema’s most compelling talents. The History of Sound is in cinemas from January 23rd.
