Malcolm Washington’s cinematic journey: From spectator to director
A dream realized at TIFF
The first time Malcolm Washington attended the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), he was merely a spectator, accompanying his older brother, actor John David Washington, who was debuting a film. Reflecting on that experience, Malcolm recalls, “I’m a movie lover — like, I’m a student of the game and a fan first, so I was watching a bunch of movies. I remember sitting there like, ‘I hope I get to experience this on the other side of it.’” Fast forward to today, and Malcolm’s dream has come true with his film adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Piano Lesson, making its international premiere at TIFF.
The allure of the audience
Unlike seasoned directors who might avoid watching their own films with an audience, Malcolm plans to sit through the screening. “You make movies for audiences — to connect with people, to have that shared experience,” he says. “I want to enjoy that too. To hear the groans, or the laughs, or the shrieks of horror, or the tension in the room.”
Discovering ‘The Piano Lesson’
Malcolm first encountered Wilson’s haunting 1987 play, set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, through his brother John David, who was preparing to star in the Broadway revival. “I was picking up these pieces of paper with these beautiful monologues and I was like, ‘What is this?’” Malcolm recalls. The layers of meaning in Wilson’s monologues captivated him, leading to a profound connection with the story’s themes about legacy.
A personal connection
In 2020, as Malcolm was archiving his family history and approaching his 30th birthday, the story of The Piano Lesson resonated deeply with him. He spent the next two years immersing himself in the text and researching Wilson, who passed away in 2005. “You want to deliver on two levels: you want to honor the work itself and try to make something that fits the spirit of August’s intentions, and you also want to honor the medium that we’re working in now,” Malcolm explains.
A family affair
The making of The Piano Lesson was a family affair. Malcolm and John David’s parents, two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington, played significant roles. In 2015, Wilson’s estate entrusted Denzel and his producing partner to adapt Wilson’s works into films. The Piano Lesson is the third production, following Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. All four Washington siblings were involved, with sister Katia as an executive producer and twin sister Olivia making a cameo appearance.
A tribute to ‘Mama’
Malcolm dedicated the film to his mother, Pauletta, revealing this during a family screening. Just before the end credits rolled, the words “For Mama” appeared on screen. “She was crying. She was just proud,” Malcolm says of Pauletta’s emotional reaction. “She’s a matriarch of our family. She, in many ways, represents our connection to our ancestors. And to see us honor that, I think she felt loved and seen.”
The journey to adaptation
Malcolm’s journey from discovering Wilson’s monologues to directing The Piano Lesson was organic and driven by passion. He collaborated with writer Virgil Williams to develop the script, presenting a bold vision that honored Wilson’s work while adapting it for a modern audience. In 2022, Malcolm approached Samuel L. Jackson, who originated the role of Boy Willie in the 1987 production, to discuss his take on the story. Their conversation about family stories and heritage solidified the film’s direction.
Directing family
Directing his brother John David was a unique experience for Malcolm. “At first, you’re kind of playing this game — you want to give the other person exactly what they need all the time. But then, at a point, you have to say, ‘OK, we’re not brothers. I’m the director, you’re the star actor,’ and collaborate from that standpoint. It was wonderful.”
Guidance from Wilsonian directors
Malcolm sought advice from established Wilsonian directors, including LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Kenny Leon. Their support and blessings were invaluable, encouraging Malcolm to take a unique approach and speak from his heart.
The first day on set
The first day on set was nerve-wracking for Malcolm. “Before the first set up, you have all these things running in your head. You’re like, ‘I’ve convinced all these people to come on this journey with me, and now we’ve got to do it.’” Samuel L. Jackson’s ad-libbing broke the ice, setting a positive tone for the production.
Audience reactions
Malcolm has been thrilled by the reactions to the film, especially from younger audiences. “I was at the coffee shop, and it was like the moment you see on VH1 ‘Behind the Music,’ where they’re like, ‘They’re playing my song on the radio.’ I’ve been listening to this trailer since March and I could hear it playing across the room. I’m like, ‘No way. This is crazy.’”
Looking ahead
While Malcolm is open to future projects within Wilson’s canon, he emphasizes the importance of doing what is best for the stories. “The August Wilson stories are so important that I wouldn’t insert myself in any of that. If there was something that made sense to Miss Constanza Romero Wilson — she’s the boss over there, and she’s been such a great partner and an incredible collaborator. If she wants to do something, I’ll always pick up the phone.”
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Piano Lesson.