Malcolm & John David Washington Break Down a Scene From 'The Piano Lesson' | Vanity Fair

Director Malcom Washington breaks down an scene from 'The Piano Lesson' alongside his brother John David Washington. Malcom provides an elaborate explanation of playing with point of view to guide the audience throughout the movie, working with the "talented" Samuel L. Jackson, and so much more.
Director: Claire Buss
Director of Photography: Dave Sanders
Editor: Lika Kumoi
Talent: Malcolm Washington, John David Washington
Producer: Madison Coffey
Line Producer: Romeeka Powell
Associate Producer: Emebeit Beyene
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Talent Booker: Lauren Mendoza
Camera Operator: Nigel Akam
Gaffer: Dave Plank
Audio Engineer: Kevin Teixeira
Production Assistant: Nicole Murphy
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
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[@biancaeze14]

They make me proud and I'm not even related to them. The way they explained this scene was beyond artistic and visionary. They speak like modern day Renaissance men. Great job Mr. and Mrs. Washington for raising your kids wonderfully. I'm excited to see the art and storytelling created in this film. ❤❤❤

[@monica5146]

So proud! like I know them - bredren feels 😅❤

[@ChefAssassin]

The Berta song was one of the best scenes in this movie!!!💜 phenomenal job gentlemen

[@rmarciano491]

YES

[@JARVISK600]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@filmadcamp1512]

Malcolm reminding me a lot of Ryan Coogler in terms of his calm energy.

[@sk8mafia214]

Yeah, I realized that too about him in his GQ video he did recently as well

[@filmadcamp1512]

@sk8mafia214 Yessss

[@johnwebb2442]

Facts. Both great Black Filmmakers.

[@MarcellaMiddleton]

Completely stole ya’ll mom’s whole face but David sounds just like Denzel, I love that so much!!!!

[@giorgiomarte9131]

It's weird cuz in the movie he looks just like his dad. Tripped me out lol

[@leggs83stowe53]

Yep

[@francesdalton4345]

This scene was perfection! I've been teaching music for over twenty years and this song moved my soul. Simply Wonderful!

[@montenegroafro4454]

“You couldn’t wait to do that.” “I couldn’t wait I couldn’t f*kin wait.” 😂 Love these two brothers!

[@Sew-Ronica]

This song made me cry. The energy was full of passion and despair.

[@heather6457]

Malcolm and John Davids' breakdown of this scene was explained to perfection. I really enjoyed their insights! I love their vision and perspective.

[@marsha1758]

This was my favorite scene!! The sound of the stomping and the dishes rattling gave me this nostalgic feeling. Like visiting my grandmother in the country during the summer and listening to my family gather and sing church songs.

[@NixBurkett1984]

John David not only looks like their Dad but talks like him too. I am most definitely going to be watching this movie.

[@Komediennekymd2009]

Great breakdown & Malcolm did a wonderful job with this. Phenomenal acting.

[@bluelionprivatesecurity6309]

The liquor was inviting spirits in. Hint liquor nickname spirits. It’s a great conductor.

[@samosullivan1744]

I caught this masterpiece at the London Film Festival and when this song finished, the audience applauded as if we were actually in a theatre! And rightfully so!

[@aminatadiong8419]

Not only were they able to break down the intricate details in the scene, the music and the story line, they managed to relate it all the real life, what has happened in the past and what’s happening in the present. Incredible!!!!!❤️

[@Hardknocklife224]

Thank you so much for explaining this scene! I recently watched the version with Charles Dutton & Alfre Woodard and was mesmerized with the writing of August Wilson. This scene was the only one I had to put Closed Captions on because I wanted get ALL of the words of the song. It was so intensely beautiful because of the history of Black Americans. Loved the scene! ❤❤

[@Komediennekymd2009]

Watched it tonight. U have to appreciate actors , acting & and storytelling to truly appreciate this movie. 🙌🏾🔥

[@inmythoughts718]

sorry I really thought it was boring

[@delbienoel]

@@inmythoughts718 It’s ok. Not everyone is going to get it.

[@GodsChild4Ever446]

I’m watching it again for the 5th time…. It’s absolutely brilliant on so many levels of revolving and revolution of the soul into acceptance that leads to peace. Very well done 👍🏿

[@michellerosebrown]

Keeping it in the family. Their father must be proud. ❤

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

And their MOTHER too! Denzel didn't make, raise and teach/influence them - including their sister, on his own.

[@DaLane4real]

Mr. and Mrs. Denzel Washington I know you are very proud of your boys. I feel so proud so I know you two are busting at the seam with pride. Beautiful family beautiful.❤

[@evelynwashere13]

Talk about a dynamic duo these 2 are great. I watched another interview where Malcom talked about having such a fan moment meeting Christopher Nolen, I can see him reaching that greatness

[@JustUdoro]

YES!!!!🙌🏾❤️🙌🏾❤️🙌🏾 These two are taking cinematic expression to A WHOLE NEW LEVEL!! Keep going🙌🏾❤️

[@chrisharris3310]

Extremely emotional and powerful scene.

[@leggs83stowe53]

Absolutely

[@TheDeRaye]

This was my favorite part of the movie! They were jammin!

[@KloderTX]

This sequence is amazing. Caught me off guard. Wonderful.

[@Hibbs4Prez]

Kudos, gentlemen. Saw this at a movie theater a couple of weeks ago and of course this moment was a standout.

[@hannahbanjo5629]

Beautifully shot movie! Love these guys!

[@filmadcamp1512]

The musical rendition in this scene alone has me excited.

[@olaedo777]

Ok, this Malcom. He knows what he's doing

[@Hello-b9c]

Truly amazing movie plus casts, but my favorite scene is when all 4 gentlemen are singing. Bravooooo too you all 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@gasolinepearl6567]

Loved watching this breakdown. I can’t wait to watch the film!

[@kristopherjones734]

The Washington Brothers (John David and Malcolm)

[@charfoggie22]

❤❤❤❤❤ So proud of my buddy, Malcolm!!! I love this creative interaction between Malcolm and John David!

[@tosmith5183]

Their passion for the mise en scene is inspiring and engaging. Much love

[@Sirrahs]

I would love to see them do this scene live on stage.

[@sunmont1461]

Such an incredible movie and that scene gripped me

[@RP.123]

Denzel and Pauletta raised them well!!

[@BLISB]

Great movie, great job by all involved. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@jaalahford1637]

Loved this film!!!!

[@ettajfan5882]

That's an important story they're telling.

[@leggs83stowe53]

IMO, this, the Berta song, was one of the most powerful scenes of the movie.

[@monab4177]

I am so godly ❤❤❤❤proud to see these young men demonstrate black excellence in the film industry.

[@thelittlefactsvideos]

JDW was a massive surprise for me. Definitely his best performance since BlacKkKlansman.

[@agabacalvin3820]

This was a very dope movie

[@alexciasommerville9514]

Malcolm is such a producer when John Davis sang the line in weak lmao...."I don't know if ya'll can clear that" lol

[@NativeNewYorker212]

Denzel and Pauletta Washington… take a bow! Look what y’all have done with not only these two, but all of you children! 🙏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾

[@deonteterrel8078]

✨THE PIANO LESSON!!❤️💙_______________________________________________________________________________________________

[@subibosa8243]

The Brother Muzon!!!

[@brienfarmer6846]

great movie

[@kerijbush]

For sure. And why do I know all the words???😂😂😂

[@MikeLaury-c5f]

That dude sounds just like his pops

[@lovethestage]

And this is what you get when a Hollywood wife and mother spends less time flossing and more time mothering.

[@filmadcamp1512]

🙄😒🥱

[@deliberatedmind]

PREACHER!!!!! Absolutely… 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Trinlove]

She raised them so well and passionate about the arts 🥹🥹❤️

[@Ari_elf95]

There’s 3 of them???? 😍

[@Rockscissorspaper]

Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta have 4 children. 2 sons and 2 daughters. 1 son and 1 daughter are actors. 1 son is a director and 1 daughter is a producer.

[@abernard3294]

Malcolm v down to earth.. met him.. reminds me of Malcolm Jamal Warner..great film. John David fine too!

[@ccan_max5285]

🔥

[@keithlynn6210]

Kinda sad when you find out about the origin of the song, the ancestors speak.

[@Jth3god]

alternate universe quavo x takeoff

[@williamortiz2016]

how can I get the song

[@theedwardsexperience3604]

What is the software they are using to annotate?

[@kimberlyjackson8343]

John David is a great actor I have a crush on him ever since I 1st saw him and I would love to make out with him ❤

[@Nmendenh-rl6ej]

Can you call them nepo babies if they stole their mamas whole face?

[@BlessedNHighlyFavored04]

I’m conflicted by the way his voice is so similar to his dad..The movie had a boring storyline, the demonic chanting..No.. I really wish Black Artist would navigate to better writings.

[@Geauxme]

August Wilson won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama for The Piano Lesson. Maybe it’s his story telling you don’t resonate with, but I don’t it’s fair to state black artist don’t gravitate to great writing.

[@Geauxme]

Which movie/plays resonate with you?

[@inmythoughts718]

just saw it and the movie is horrible.. sorry just too much talking - and you have soul music in the 1920s.. its not for me

[@FionaHani-x2c]

Ain’t no way I’m first