This article explores the rise of a new generation of filmmakers who are challenging Hollywood norms and bringing fresh perspectives to their work. The article focuses on a conversation with director Malcolm Washington about his adaptation of August Wilson's play, highlighting his unique approach to filmmaking and his use of cinematic tools to delve into the characters' interior lives.
In an era when Hollywood remakes and corporate trends have become the foundation of blockbuster filmmaking, a new generation of directors, unburdened by Hollywood 's established norms and conventions, are approaching their movies with fresh, uninhibited perspectives. They are unafraid to challenge industry expectations and explore unconventional storytelling methods. Their work spans traditional genres, from coming-of-age comedies to sports biopics to prestige adaptations.
Budgets range from streamer-funded to independently sourced. While all of this results in diverse filmmaking styles, their commonalities are more significant. To understand why, we spoke to director Malcolm Washington about his dynamic adaptation of August Wilson’s timeless exploration of the impossible choices and family conflicts created by the dark legacy of slavery. MALCOLM WASHINGTON: We took some swings, huh? KOTLYARENKO: For sure. I love how it starts in that 4th of July sequence, juxtaposing two different Americas, through the lighting and sound design of the fireworks. I thought that was brilliant. Just knowing the source material as this great August Wilson play, did you feel the pressure to make something that was explicitly cinematic? WASHINGTON: I think that word means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. It’s a slippery term, but one of the ways I was thinking about it was using the tools of film to get into the interior life of each character. In a film we can subvert the limitations of the stage. We can try to root you in somebody’s experience of the thing and then flip that 20 minutes later. A lot of times I was focusing on the quieter moments, or the person listening rather than the one talking. Controlling who and what the audience pays attention to. And conceptually, there’s a lot we did throughout making soundscapes and sound design to give multiple layers to each scene.WASHINGTON: I’m a big music lover, but the kind that has no talent in it.WASHINGTON: That’s what I think. I’m not burdened by the toll of knowing. It’s magic to m
Filmmaking New Directors Hollywood August Wilson Malcolm Washington
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
"I Said, 'Hell No'": Spike Lee Refusing To Change Location For Denzel Washington's Oscar-Nominated Movie Contributed To Warner Bros. Shutting ProductionDenzel Washington as Malcolm X praying at Mecca in Malcolm X
Read more »
How Malcolm Washington Pitched Denzel Washington on “The Piano Lesson”On a visit to August Wilson’s childhood home, in Pittsburgh, the director of a new adaptation of the play discusses casting his brother (alongside Samuel L. Jackson) and working for his father, André Wheeler writes.
Read more »
Malcolm In The Middle's Frankie Muniz Reveals Heartwarming Relationship With Bryan Cranston 18 Years After Series Finale: "He Really Became Like A Father Figure"Hal holding onto Reese and Malcolm in pain after hurting himself in Malcolm in the Middle
Read more »
Malcom In The Middle Revival With Bryan Cranston & Frankie Muniz Set For Disney+Hal holding onto Reese and Malcolm in pain after hurting himself in Malcolm in the Middle
Read more »
Inside the Netflix x Cultured Dinner Celebrating Malcolm Washington & Njideka CrosbyView images from the Netflix x Cultured dinner celebrating Malcolm Washington and Njideka Crosby.
Read more »
Nicole Avant, Malcolm Washington, RaMell Ross and Ray Fisher Set to Be Honored at AAFCA AwardsLynn Whitfield, Brandon Wilson, Ethan Herisse, Amber Rasberry and Paul Tazewell will also be honored at the AAFCA's 2025 Special Achievement Awards.
Read more »