As a movie enthusiast with a penchant for stories that delve deep into the human psyche and family dynamics, I find myself utterly captivated by the Washington family’s latest cinematic endeavor, “The Piano Lesson.” Having had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of Denzel Washington’s career over the years, it’s truly heartening to see his progeny carrying on this rich legacy.
It’s been a big weekend for the Washington family.
Simultaneously, patriarch Denzel Washington captivated audiences in “Gladiator II” on large cinema screens, the Washington family’s younger generation made a powerful debut in the Netflix adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Piano Lesson”. In this production, Denzel and Pauletta Washington‘s children – director Malcolm, actor John David, and producer Katia – not only enrich their family narrative but also extend the legacy of August Wilson.
At the Los Angeles premiere of this film on November 19th, I, as a movie reviewer, had the pleasure of conversing with John David Washington. In our discussion, he expressed a sentiment that resonated deeply: we’re standing on the shoulders of the Wilsonians. He was referring to the illustrious lineage of artists who have graced Wilson’s stage and screen productions, such as Viola Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Charles Dutton, and his very own father. This statement underscores the profound impact and influence that these artists, collectively known as the Wilsonians, have had on our craft.
He told us the steps on how to accomplish it, he added. I hope that the upcoming generations find inspiration from the possibilities these words present them.
It’s appropriate that a genuine family produced “The Piano Lesson” as the movie revolves around overcoming various hurdles in familial relationships, such as sibling disagreements, healing from intergenerational wounds, and deciding what will shape one’s lasting impact.
The plot centers on the Charles family, as brother Boy Willie (John David Washington) and sister Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler) battle over an heirloom piano, which documents the family history through carvings made by their enslaved ancestor. He plans to sell the instrument and buy the land their family toiled, while she is determined to hold onto it as the last vestige of their past. Their uncle Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson, who originated the role of Boy Willie in the 1987 production) attempts to mediate, but as the film’s synopsis explains, “even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past.” The movie’s ensemble also includes Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkins, Skylar Aleece Smith, Gail Bean and Erykah Badu.
Since the estate of playwright August Wilson entrusted his ten-play collection, famously known as the American Century Cycle that highlights the Black experience throughout the 20th century, to Denzel Washington and his producing partner Todd Black for adaptation, ‘The Piano Lesson’ is now being made into a film. This follows previous adaptations in 2016 (‘Fences’) and 2020 (‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’). All four of the Washington children are involved; Malcolm’s twin sister Olivia has a cameo role, as does Pauletta.
Katia Washington praised Malcolm, stating how fulfilling it’s been to witness his smooth transition into this role with sincerity and vulnerability, ultimately leading to success, growth, and prosperity. Directing isn’t a simple job; people often only see the glamorous side, but it requires hard work and takes its emotional toll. I am incredibly proud of him.
Virgil Williams, one of the writers behind “Mudbound”, humorously mentions that he’s attempting to be taken in as a new family member, aiming to join the five Washington children.
Williams joined the Washington family’s creative circle following the completion of the script for “A Journal for Jordan,” which Denzel Washington directed in 2021. Subsequently, the two-time Academy Award winner presented him to his son who was working on “The Piano Lesson.” Upon learning about Malcolm’s vision for the film, Williams was captivated by its relevance to today’s generation and potential impact on future audiences.
Williams remarked, “I realized just how adaptable the idea was.” When something is adaptable, it can change shape or form while still keeping its fundamental nature. It had a clear and motivating quality to it.
Potts shared what impressed him most about the younger generation of Washingtons.
Potts mentioned a piece of advice given by Denzel Washington at the 2017 NAACP Image Awards: ‘You won’t start or finish anything without commitment and consistency.’ This sentiment is evident in all those kids, who acknowledge each other and their parents for shaping them and their achievements. They certainly put in the hard work.
To catch a glimpse of the opening celebrations happening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, take a look at the images provided below:
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2024-11-24 23:17