As a theater enthusiast who has spent countless hours engrossed in the profound works of August Wilson, I can confidently say that Denzel Washington’s latest production, “The Piano Lesson,” is a must-watch masterpiece. Having grown up listening to stories about the resilience and richness of the African American experience, this film resonates deeply with me.
In “The Piano Lesson”, Denzel Washington orchestrates a heartfelt family production that premiered on Netflix on November 22 following a limited theater run. As a two-time Oscar winner, Denzel takes on the role of producer for this film adaptation of August Wilson’s significant work. Interestingly, his son Malcolm Washington steps into directing for the first time, while John David Washington captivates as Boy Willie Charles. Before its scheduled release in 2024, critics have already praised the gripping family storyline.
In “The Piano Lesson”, a family in the 1930s finds themselves embroiled in a dispute over a 137-year-old piano. Samuel L. Jackson’s character, Doaker Charles, elucidates the significance of this instrument as it symbolizes their ancestors and serves as a tribute to them. However, Boy Willie, portrayed by Jackson in the original play at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 1987, intends to sell it. Critic Corey Chichizola noted that although it has its imperfections, “The Piano Lesson” is a powerful exploration of intergenerational trauma.
Should we prioritize remembering the past, despite its discomfort, or focus on progressing and advancing? The intricate blend of supernatural elements with a more practical central theme in this story truly brings it to life. This culminates in a climax that effectively resolves the entire plot. However, I must admit that while The Piano Lesson is an engaging film, its pace and length can be sluggish at times, which may be due to it being adapted from a stage play.
Danielle Deadwyler’s portrayal of Berniece is receiving high praise from several critics, and Carla Renata of The Wrap additionally commends Samuel L. Jackson for his comedic skills. On top of that, John David Washington delivers an outstanding performance as Boy Willie, forming a powerful on-screen duo with Deadwyler – a pairing that according to Renata, was unexpectedly needed. In simpler terms, the critic expresses that Danielle Deadwyler is receiving much acclaim for her role as Berniece, Samuel L. Jackson is being praised for his humor, and John David Washington gives his best performance yet as Boy Willie, making a fantastic duo with Deadwyler – a duo that Renata previously didn’t realize was necessary.
Through powerful, unforgettable performances, The Piano Lesson teaches us about love, camaraderie, and kinship. It underscores the idea that inherited wealth goes beyond mere money, extending to the emotional and genetic ties we share with our forebears.
According to Robert Daniels from ScreenDaily, the adaptation is flawlessly done, thanks in large part to its strong acting performances. Daniels believes that Black viewers and award judges will find a deep connection with “The Piano Lesson“. He goes on to say:
In this film, Deadwyler breathes life into every scene, making each detail resonate deeply. The worn and weathered interior of Bernice’s home feels lived-in, while the radiant celestial lighting brings warmth to the screen. The heavy burden of survivor’s guilt carried by many African Americans during the Great Migration is palpable. At times, the Southern Gothic elements can seem somewhat disjointed, and the story may lose momentum due to an abundance of characters and interwoven plotlines. However, “The Piano Lesson” stands out as a powerful debut from Malcolm Washington, powerfully capturing the unique spirit of its people.
Steph Green from Empire magazine commends Danielle Deadwyler’s performance, yet she feels that the adaptation from the stage play to the screen doesn’t offer significant enhancement overall. Green awards the movie 3 out of 5 stars, expressing her thoughts as follows:
There are certainly lively scenes — such as the opening piano-heist flashback, set during Fourth Of July festivities; some pleasingly kinetic musical-hall sequences featuring music legend Erykah Badu; and most significantly, the moments where Berniece and Boy Willie lock horns on how best to pay tribute to their ancestors. Washington wrestles with ideas of legacy and how one should honour one’s forebears. But the film rarely elevates the play’s action in a significant way, the transitions between comedy, drama and horror sometimes feeling clumsy. It’s a shame, because when Washington does flex his budding directorial muscles, The Piano Lesson finds its melody.
Maureen Lee Lenker from EW gives the movie an A- grade, noting that “The Piano Lesson” delivers such a potent message on trauma and the importance of addressing it that viewers may find themselves reflecting on this film long after its 120-minute duration. The critic further adds:
In his first directorial role, Malcolm Washington delivers a compelling debut film that highlights his creative and promising abilities as a filmmaker. While certain parts of The Piano Lesson, especially in the initial expository scenes, seem somewhat rooted in its theatrical roots, Washington effectively broadens and focuses on the world in captivating cinematic manners. This is evident in his expressive flashbacks or his clever utilization of camera techniques to intensify the work’s supernatural aspects.
Based on the consensus of critics, this movie is highly recommended as one of the top choices on Netflix. Its 90% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes adds to its appeal. If the film from the Washington family appeals to you, consider subscribing to Netflix to watch it, as it’s available for streaming immediately.
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2024-11-22 21:37