The Piano Lesson (2024) marks Denzel Washington's third film adaptation of an August Wilson play. This time, the family gets involved. Malcolm Washington directed the film, which stars David Washington as Boy Willie. Katia and Olivia Washington contribute in both producing and acting roles.
The story opens on Independence Day, 1905, with white landowners celebrating outdoors as fireworks light up the sky. Amid this backdrop, we meet Boy Charles, who leads a bold break-in to steal a piano — but this is no ordinary instrument. The piano holds deep significance for the Charles family, with the history of their ancestors carefully etched into its wood.
The film primarily unfolds in Pittsburgh, where Boy Willie arrives at his sister Berniece’s home after traveling 1,200 miles with a truck full of watermelons. His plan is twofold: to sell the watermelons and use the money to buy the land of the recently deceased slave of their ancestors, Sutter. Sutter’s land is up for sale after his untimely death—he fell into his well.
With a plan in hand, Boy Willie plans to sell the family heirloom without the family's input. He shows up out of nowhere and just plans to sell the piano. He sees the piano as a means to an end. He doesn't consider its rich history. He only thinks of himself, but there are lessons he will learn along the way.
Berniece, his sister, sees the piano as a priceless heirloom, representing her family's legacy. It is a deep, rich history that is rooted in pain, but for as much as it is rooted in pain, it has its victory and is something that Berniece is not willing to part with. This creates a conflict between the siblings. This leads to a deep exploration of the piano's journey and heritage. How does one honor their heritage yet reconcile the sacrifices and pain that come with it? This is a powerful theme of the movie that gets deeper when we learn that the arrival of Boy Willie brings with him the demon of Sutter's ghost. The family has to fight to be rid of the ghost, which is a powerful parallel to confronting the past and healing from it.
David Washington’s portrayal of Boy Willie seems to come off as an impression of his father, Denzel, though it doesn’t quite land as strongly as hoped. On the other hand, Danielle Deadwyler’s performance as Berniece is remarkable. She shines in the role. She brings emotional depth and power in her performance. Samuel L. Jackson, in a quieter but still commanding supporting role as Charles' family’s patriarch, performs a performance that adds depth to the family’s dynamic.
The screenplay stays true to Wilson’s original work, preserving its rich, layered dialogue and sense of history. Cinematically, Washington does a remarkable job of capturing the feel of a stage play while expanding the setting to provide lush, atmospheric visuals that enhance the emotional weight of the narrative.
The film expertly addresses themes of generational trauma, the tension between material gain and spiritual value, and the complex relationships within the Black family. The piano, both a work of art and a symbol of struggle, is a powerful metaphor for the characters' internal battles.
It’s a film that will resonate deeply with those familiar with Wilson’s work. It offers a compelling and emotional experience for new audiences and highlights the enduring relevance of his storytelling.
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