The Piano Lesson

In the gripping drama "The Piano Lesson," directed by Julie Taymor and released in 1995, a long-buried secret threatens to tear a family apart as a prized family heirloom piano becomes a focal point of contention between two siblings, Boy Willie and Lymon, and their uncle Sutter. The story, set in the 1930s, is a poignant exploration of the complexities of family history, identity, and legacy. The film is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Boy Willie, a determined and proud African American man, returns home after being released from prison. His arrival sets off a chain of events that will test the strength of family bonds and challenge the notion of a shared history. Boy Willie is obsessed with purchasing a farm, but he has a pressing matter to attend to – the family's prized heirloom piano, which he insists on buying back from his greedy uncle Sutter. Lynne is the silent member of the family, she is also known as a pianist who plays with great passion in her home, but with the presence of her uncle this is not allowed. Lynne struggles in her family, as Lymon, her brother, is abusive towards her. Boy Willie, upon seeing Lynne's talent, makes it his mission to buy the piano to allow Lynne to continue playing. Sutter is cunning and opportunistic, who bought the piano at an auction without Boy Willie's knowledge. He plans to sell it for a significant profit, despite Boy Willie's pleas to return it to the family estate. Sutter's greed is fueled by his own financial struggles, which he blames on his family members. Boy Willie feels that his uncle has betrayed him by buying the piano without consulting him, and he becomes increasingly determined to acquire it back. However, there's a deeper reason for Boy Willie's obsession with the piano. The piano was once owned by their ancestors, who used it to play spirituals, which are central to the African American's music and culture. The piano is a tangible connection to their heritage and identity, and Boy Willie wants to reclaim it to honor their family's rich history. As the story unfolds, the piano becomes a symbol of the family's collective memory, with each member bringing their own perspective to the narrative. Lynne's silent struggles and Sutter's manipulation of the family's past both serve as counterpoints to Boy Willie's fierce loyalty to his family and their legacy. Through Lymon we see how even the ones we expect less from, can turn on us. Lynne ultimately decides that she cannot let her family split apart over the piano, and she refuses to play again, and Boy Willie is left heartbroken. The family has been left to heal from the wounds inflicted by the struggle as Lymon and Lynne have finally decided to take control of their lives and not let the family's history dictate their decisions. In the end, the piano's fate remains uncertain, but its significance as a family heirloom and a symbol of cultural identity remains intact. The conflict over the piano serves as a reminder that family legacies are inherently complex and multifaceted, shaped by individual experiences and perceptions. Through this drama, Taylor brings light to a dark but pivotal moment in American history highlighting a family's ability to come together and face reality head-on.