Kept as a family exercise both in story and in creation, The Piano Lesson reconciles the value of history and how it fights the needs of the present. Directed by Malcolm Washington, produced by Denzel Washington and starring John David Washington (yes, they are all related) comes an adaptation of an August Wilson play that looks to expand its horizons and gives cinematic edge to a play haunted by history and genre.
Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler) is a strong willed single mother who, without her knowledge, has her house invaded by family. Boy Willie (John David Washington) and Lymon (Ray Fisher) have come from their family roots in Mississippi to join Berniece’s escape in Pittsburgh. They come to sell watermelons but it comes clear that both want something more from their Mississippi exit. Watching over the family is Uncle Doaker (Samuel L Jackson) whose stories and secrets may create a ripple in the family that they will never be able to truly reckon with.
The film is able to bring out the most in the cinematic potential of the play as it takes some weight off the actors through editing and sound. Unique camera placements give the setting (and, especially, the titular Piano) a spiritual presence which ends up fitting the themes well. As decisions and choices confront these characters, the house seems to change with them, allowing life to play out in spectacular fashion as each character confronts a key turning point in their lives that creates fiery drama and great performances. Lesson also holds moments of beautiful humanity accompanied by daunting but lively spiritual scenes. It draws a specific but relatable portrait of a family reconciling with their values as they embrace a legacy of freedom rather than slavery and must see if they can find the right way towards a family free of the hardships and tragedies of their past.
The Piano Lesson is playing at TIFF ’24. For more information, click here.
