Actor Paul Mescal Discusses His Struggles with Depression - Actor Paul Mescal discusses his battle with depression in an open interview.
In the famed city of Cannes, actor Paul Mescal has candidly discussed his struggles with depression while working on film sets. "For someone who is prone to depression, it can sometimes be challenging on set because I'm not always displaying my true self," the 29-year-old artist shared.
"As an actor, you learn to divide your personality, which can be beneficial for work but sometimes unhealthy in daily life," Mescal explained.
Joining Josh O'Connor ("The Crown") in a historical drama about a gay love story, "The History of Sound," Mescal's performance has caught the attention of critics and audiences alike, competing at the Cannes Film Festival.
Mescal's presence in the 2024 blockbuster "Gladiator II" and his popular TV role in "Normal People" have elevated him to a certain cult status in the industry, earning particularly fervent cheers from the crowd during his appearances in Cannes.
Throughout his career, Mescal has also portrayed queer characters. "I believe we're seeing a shift in the traditional male roles in the film world," he commented.
Comparisons to the cult film "Brokeback Mountain," another work centered on the complexities of love between men, have been made regarding "The History of Sound." However, both Mescal and director Oliver Hermanus have emphasized the differences between the two productions, with "Brokeback Mountain" dealing more with repression and secrecy, while "The History of Sound" focuses on the lasting impact of a heartfelt yet brief relationship.
"The History of Sound," unlike "Brokeback Mountain," does not revolve around the main characters' repressed relationships to their sexuality but instead explores other factors that might keep them apart. The film celebrates the genuine love between the two men, and while it shares some superficial similarities, such as the depiction of male love and rural backdrops, its emotional and thematic focus remains distinct.
- ♪ I'm not gonna let you go ♪ Mescal's heartfelt performance in "The History of Sound" has captivated audiences, mirroring the intensity of his real-life battle with mental health.
- In the realm of entertainment, Paul Mescal, known for his acting roles in movies-and-tv like "Normal People" and "Gladiator II," has also found a niche in science-backed health-and-wellness discussions, openly sharing his experiences with depression.
- During his candid interviews, Mescal notes a parallel between queer characters he's portrayed and the shift in the film industry's representation of traditional male roles, echoing the sentiments expressed in seminal works such as "Brokeback Mountain," yet asserting that "The History of Sound" carves its unique position within the genre, focusing more on love's enduring effects and less on the quandaries of secrecy and repression.
