The Piano Lesson Strikes a Final Chord at The 2024 Montclair Film Festival

Written by Andrew Cooper

Published on October 31, 2024

The 13th annual Montclair Film Festival concluded on Sunday, October 27 with a new and powerful adaptation of August Wilson’s iconic play, “The Piano Lesson”. The film proved to be a memorable close to a week of impressive cinema. 

Malcolm Washington’s direction imbued the film with both sensitivity and strength, brilliantly capturing the tension and generational trauma embedded in Wilson’s narrative. Set in 1930s Pittsburgh, the film centers around two siblings locked in a battle over a family heirloom—a piano carved with their ancestors’ history. The result is a visual and emotional feast, immersing viewers in the turbulent world of the Charles family. 

The film marks Washington’s feature-directorial debut and he truly shines, transforming a mostly single-set story into a gripping experience that manages to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The cinematography resembles the complexities of the family’s story, drawing viewers into the turmoil that resides within the play’s historic symbols. 

The performances are equally remarkable: Danielle Deadwyler captivates, Samuel L. Jackson blends seamlessly into the film’s world with a nuanced presence, and Ray Fisher, who attended the screening, sitting next to myself and crew member Ronen Bas, brings deep empathy to his role. John David Washington, reprises his role as Boy Willie, adding profound psychological depth, revealing the character’s internal struggle. 

Following the screening, Stephen Colbert hosted an insightful Q&A with Malcolm and John David, who highlighted the film’s personal significance. Malcolm revealed that the film was dedicated to his mother, emphasizing that The Piano Lesson is not just a film, but an homage to storytelling, family history and the continued resonance of Black American narratives. 

Speaking with the Washington brothers was a brief but impactful moment. Malcolm and John David’s humility and dedication to the craft were evident, even in our short conversation. 

Overall, The Piano Lesson was a cinematic success and a fitting finale to the festival. For more about the festival and other entertainment news, tune into Cinema Sunrise from 10-11am as well as Cooper’s Cuts, on The Monday Morning Buzz only on 90.3 WMSC Upper Montclair.