Malcolm Washington Draws Inspiration from Family Legacy in Directing “The Piano Lesson”

In a heartwarming revelation, Malcolm Washington, the son of legendary actors Denzel and Pauletta Washington, shared how he channeled the spirit and influence of his late grandfather while directing the film adaptation of August Wilson’s acclaimed play, “The Piano Lesson.” With its theatrical debut now captivating audiences and slated for streaming on Netflix starting November 22, this film marks Malcolm's impressive entrance into the world of directing.

During a recent interview, Malcolm opened up about the profound connection he feels to his family, both past and present. He reminisced about his grandfather, who passed away when Malcolm was only eight years old, stating, "A big part of [The Piano Lesson] was based on my grandfather. He was a big influence on my mom, and his values have resonated through our family."

Malcolm described how his mother, Pauletta, often spoke of her father, highlighting the qualities he possessed that she sees reflected in her son. “When I think of what I want to be as a man, I think of him even though we only shared my first eight years of life together. In this way, he is guiding me,” Malcolm noted, emphasizing the ongoing impact of his grandfather's legacy.

The film, featuring a stellar cast including John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, and Danielle Deadwyler, has already garnered significant acclaim, winning multiple festival honors since its premiere at Telluride in August. The narrative revolves around a family heirloom—the piano—which is intricately engraved with the faces of ancestors, serving as a powerful symbol of heritage and identity.

Malcolm also shared a touching memory of combing through family tapes recorded by his grandfather. These videos contained heartfelt discussions about life, love, and spirituality. “I cut them together on Father’s Day into a little clip and sent it to her,” Malcolm said of the compilation, highlighting the emotional connection the family shares with their history.

As he delves into the themes of family legacy while adapting Wilson’s classic work, Malcolm felt a deep sense of his grandfather’s presence. “I felt like I was watching this man teach me from a conversation he had 20 years before about who I can be,” he recalled, reinforcing the sentiment that his family's history is a guiding force in his life and career.

In a powerful tribute, Malcolm dedicated the film to his mother, solidifying the bond between generations within the Washington family. His grandfather, whose face is cleverly represented in the film's piano, continues to have a guiding influence, with Malcolm stating, “His spirit was in this project and in the room with us.”

This heartfelt connection to his family not only drives Malcolm’s artistic journey but also showcases the richness of their shared legacy, proving that the bonds of love and inspiration transcend time.