Piece by Piece is an innovative Lego animated documentary that chronicles Pharrell Williams’ inspiring career. Directed by Morgan Neville, the film intertwines Pharrell’s life story—his rise with the Neptunes, collaborations with Daft Punk, and contributions to the Despicable Me soundtrack—with imaginative Lego visuals. With interviews from music icons and a vibrant soundtrack, it captures Pharrell’s artistic vision and dedication, making it a unique homage to his influence and creativity in the music industry.
Overview of the Film
Piece by Piece is a captivating Lego feature film that explores the remarkable journey of Pharrell Williams throughout his illustrious career.
Pharrell’s Lego Journey
Pharrell Williams serves as a source of inspiration for filmmakers, and we certainly appreciate it. Recently, Michel Gondry completed Atlantis, a biographical film reflecting on Pharrell’s creative beginnings, which promises a unique take on its subject. Now, documentarian Morgan Neville dives into Pharrell’s career, following his previous explorations of icons like Bono and Keith Richards.
At first glance, the narrative may seem conventional, focusing on the pivotal moments of Pharrell’s life—from his childhood and early days with the Neptunes to experiencing lows and making a triumphant comeback with Daft Punk, as well as the hits from the Despicable Me franchise. However, the true charm lies in its format: Piece by Piece masterfully blends documentary storytelling with animated visuals crafted from Lego.
This film transforms what could have been a simple ego trip into an imaginative Lego adventure. The colorful bricks not only illustrate Pharrell’s perception of music’s vibrant palette without relying on artificial editing but also serve as a metaphor for his unparalleled ability to fuse sounds into groundbreaking creations.
Importantly, the choice to present this narrative through Lego wasn’t made haphazardly. It stems from Pharrell’s own vision, likening the world to a giant Lego box where everyone uniquely assembles their experiences while borrowing from previously used colors. This philosophical perspective resonates deeply throughout the film.
Similar to Brett Morgen’s Moonage Daydream featuring David Bowie, Piece by Piece immerses viewers into Pharrell Williams’ mind. The film is enriched with visual creativity, amusing interpretations, brick recreations of iconic music videos, and interviews with luminaries like Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Missy Elliott.
Timbaland
Musical Excellence
The documentary boasts an impressive cast and an even more remarkable soundtrack. Naturally, the film features exclusive snippets of tracks that Pharrell produced, composed, and performed, allowing audiences to rediscover his contributions to some timeless hits.
However, if you’re already a die-hard fan of Pharrell, you might not uncover new insights within this documentary, which centers on his brilliance and dedication to the Black Lives Matter movement following the tragic death of George Floyd in the United States. A few contrasting perspectives could have enhanced the portrayal of the icon he has become.
Therefore, the film’s unique format stands out as a key strength, as documentaries often thrive on innovative angles and editing styles. Piece by Piece is playful, engaging, and rhythmically captivating, compelling you to nod along to its infectious soundtrack. It undoubtedly ranks among the most original documentaries we’ve encountered in recent years, making it a fitting tribute to Pharrell’s extraordinary talent.