Telluride: ‘The Piano Lesson’ Angles to Be Latest August Wilson Adaptation to Land Oscar Recognition

As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of storytelling that August Wilson‘s works have woven, I must say that “The Piano Lesson” feels like a long-awaited expansion pack to my personal game library. The Washington family’s passion for this project is palpable, and it shows in every frame of this adaptation.

On Saturday morning, The Piano Lesson, a cinematic interpretation of August Wilson’s 1987 Pulitzer Prize-winning play – the fourth in his acclaimed “Pittsburgh Cycle” exploring the Black experience in Pittsburgh throughout the 20th century – made its global debut at the Herzog Theatre during the Telluride Film Festival. Most reactions on location were favorable, but its Academy Awards potential might be somewhat restricted.

Developed by the team consisting of Denzel Washington and Todd Black, who have previously adapted two other plays by Wilson into films – namely, 2016’s “Fences” set in the 1950s and 2020’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” set in the 1920s, the upcoming film “The Piano Lesson”, also set in the 1930s, is a cherished family project of the Washington family. This production was executive produced by Denzel’s daughter, Katia Washington. Co-written with Virgil Williams, who was nominated for an Oscar for “Mudbound”, and directed by one of Denzel’s sons, Malcolm Washington, in his first stint as a feature film writer and director, this project is dedicated to his mother, Pauletta Washington. John David Washington, another son of Denzel, stars in this movie; he has previously delivered commendable performances in “BlacKkKlansman”, “Tenet” and “Malcolm & Marie”, and continues to shine in this production as well.

1936 Pittsburgh serves as the backdrop for this film, following the siblings’ disagreement over the destiny of a cherished family treasure – a piano carved by an enslaved forebearer, passed down through generations at considerable expense and currently housed, along with one sibling, in the home of their uncle, Doaker Charles (portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson). Notably, he was part of the 1987 production at Yale Rep and is set to appear in the upcoming 2022-2023 Broadway revival.

In a return from years gone by, Boy Willie (portrayed by John David Washington in both the Broadway revival and this film) arrives with his companion, Ray Fisher. Their intention is to earn sufficient funds to acquire the land where their ancestors labored extensively. However, they propose selling the piano, an idea that is met with resistance from Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler), a woman of quiet demeanor with a young child. As sibling disagreements escalate, both literal and symbolic echoes from the past begin to manifest.

Numerous performances in this production are strong, and it has been expanded beyond the stage to a great extent compared to most adaptations of Wilson’s work. However, it maintains a very theatrical feel – before any metaphysical elements come into play. Previous adaptations of Wilson’s works have received accolades from the Academy. For instance, “Fences” was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Denzel Washington), Best Actress (Viola Davis, who won), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Wilson, posthumously). Similarly, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” received nominations for Best Actor (Chadwick Boseman, posthumously), Best Actress (Davis), Best Costume Design (it won), Best Makeup/Hairstyling (it won), and Best Production Design.

It seems that this contender has a strong chance of winning in the supporting acting categories, with Deadwyler, Fisher, and Jackson all delivering exceptional performances. The nomination for an adapted screenplay is likely, as well as recognition in the same technical categories where “Ma Rainey” was previously nominated. In a year filled with many strong actor performances, there could potentially be space for John David Washington to make his mark in the best actor race.

Beginning November 8, Netflix plans to showcase the movie in select cinemas for a limited run, followed by its availability on their streaming service from November 22.

2024-08-31 21:55

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