In another triumph, the Washington family has brought another of August Wilson’s plays to the big screen with The Piano Lesson. Led by the award-winning actor Denzel Washington, the Netflix film was recently showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Denzel’s son Malcolm Washington and featuring his other son John David in the lead role, the film is set in the 1930s and explores the legacy of an African-American family.
The Piano Lesson marks the third film adaptation by the Washingtons from Wilson’s Pittsburgh Series of plays, following Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Speaking about the project, Malcolm shared that it has many legacies tied to it, which is much bigger than his own family. “I think it’s part of our duty when you’re in the position to make a film like this to honour that and uphold it. We’re here because so many people fought, sacrificed and acted to give opportunity to the next generation. This film and the story of it, ultimately, is much bigger than my family,” he said, as quoted by AP.
What an iconic red carpet! Denzel, John David & Malcom Washington along with Ray Fisher and Corey Hawkins bring the style to THE PIANO LESSON premiere. #TIFF24 #pianolesson #denzelwashington pic.twitter.com/3K1MsaxnHr— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) September 11, 2024
The Glory star also chimed in on the conversation and joked how it all started with him. “Then I had two sons, and the next thing I knew I was out of work,” he said, leaving others laughing. Mentioning that it was his son’s idea about directing The Piano Lesson, Denzel recalled how it eventually started with a little short and then a full-length film.
“He didn’t go for it immediately. He said, ‘Let me see if I see the movie first.’ At first, I was like, ‘See the movie’? But I get it now. He’s a real filmmaker. He took his time, and he didn’t just jump in,” he added.
The Piano Lesson, based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play by August Wilson, is in select theaters this November and on @Netflix November 22. pic.twitter.com/38L54TZGkx— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) August 21, 2024
Entire Washington Family Joins The Piano Lesson
Malcolm, who makes his directorial debut with The Piano Lesson, shared how the film is a Washington family production in many ways. While his brother already plays a leading role, his mother, Pauletta Washington, is seen in the role of Mama Ola. His sisters Olivia and Katia are also involved as young Mama Ola and executive producer respectively.
While his father remained the only one to not be in the film, Malcolm managed to bring him along by including his brief voice recording. “Am I in it? I recorded something. I didn’t get credit. Did I get credit? I don’t think so!” Denzel joked.
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