Denzel Washington is bursting with pride as his son Malcolm Washington makes his directing debut with The Piano Lesson at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, this is huge for Malcolm, who takes the leap into the film world.
Reflecting on how Malcolm went from cinephile to director, Denzel told Variety:
“I’m proud of him.”
Denzel's encouragement and his son's passion for the story have helped establish a legacy for the family regarding Wilson's works. The Piano Lesson draws attention, not only because of the family links, but also due to what Malcolm wanted to make it like.
With each new production in which Denzel brings August Wilson's American Century Cycle to stage and screen, the pride he takes in Malcolm's initial foray into the film world is well and truly marked.
Malcolm Washington's vision for The Piano Lesson
Malcolm Washington's The Piano Lesson is an original and personal take on the 1987 August Wilson play. The movie shows family and the conflicts that bind with the history of their ancestors. It's set in Pittsburgh just after the Great Depression.
During an interview with Variety, Malcolm explained that he became familiar with Wilson's work through his brother, John David Washington, who was getting ready for the 2020 Broadway revival of the play. Malcolm remembers how strong the monologues were then, piquing his interest in further exploring the material.
Reflecting on how the story stuck with him, she said:
“There’s so many layers of meaning.”
As the director, Malcolm focused on staying true to Wilson’s original work while also making sure the film had its visual flair. He mentioned that he wants to stay true to the original while making it easy for a new crowd to enjoy.
“You want to deliver on two levels,” he said.
People love his bold take on the project. Variety even dubbed the film "haunting yet hopeful."
Malcolm's mom, Pauletta Washington, stars in the movie, too, and "For Mama" pops up on the screen before the credits.
The Piano Lesson is a Washington family affair
For all intents and purposes, The Piano Lesson is a family thing for the Washingtons. Malcolm directs, and his brother John David plays Boy Willie. Denzel, their dad, is producing the film as he continues to work on adapting Wilson's American Century Cycle into movies.
He has already had success with Fences in 2016 and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom in 2020, thanks to his partnership with Wilson's estate. This family affair is built on a foundation of a love for the work of August Wilson. Fresh from his stint on Broadway, John David brings an intimate understanding to his role.
Malcolm's directing style reflects his grasp on how Wilson tells a story. The Hollywood Reporter called Malcolm's approach "ambitious yet intimate" and showed how vested he was in his research and connected to the story.
Denzel provided comic relief on his son's work, asking,
"Why doesn't it say 'For Dad'?"
Malcolm's new film is not just another film; instead, it is a personal tribute to his family and their roots in storytelling. It gained much attention at TIFF because of how much people love its emotional feel and cultural aesthetic.
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The Piano Lesson will be available to stream on Netflix later this year.
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