The piano lesson trailer takes us into the heart of an intense family drama where past and future collide violently. Directed by Malcolm Washington, son of the famous Denzel Washington, this film adapts a play by August Wilson, one of the greatest American playwrights. A work that explores the dilemmas of an African-American family facing a legacy steeped in history.
When the past weighs heavily
The story follows a boy, Willie, played by John David Washington, who returns home to sell the family’s piano, which is engraved with images of a slave ancestor. For Boy Willie, selling this instrument is an opportunity to build a better future.
On the other hand, his sister Bernice, played by Daniel Deadweiler, flatly refuses to part with this precious heirloom, seeing in this piano the last tangible link to the family past.
Samuel L. Jackson plays the uncle of the two heroes, who desperately tries to keep the peace in this family, which is torn between the desire to escape from the painful past and to preserve the legacy of the ancestors.
Family relationship behind the camera
The Piano Lesson is directed by Malcolm Washington, who is making his feature film debut here. So rules his brother John David. And their father, Denzel, is producing the film with Todd Black.
With this film, Malcolm Washington wants to portray the eternal conflict between memory and progress, a theme deeply rooted in the African-American experience. In a statement, he expressed his personal connection to this story and said:
“I too come from a long line of women and men, some of whom were born into slavery and then freed, and that my life is possible because of the decisions, sacrifices and actions of each of them.“And let’s add:”In the words of Willie the boy, “I’ve got to build on what they left me.”“
With an all-star cast that also includes Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu and Corey Hawkins, The Piano Lesson promises to be a landmark film. It will be shown in several theaters in the United States before being released online on November 22nd – a sign that the film should be in contention for an Oscar.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
