Cast: Pharrell Williams
Genre: Biography, Comedy, Family, Musical
Director: Morgan Neville
In Irish Cinemas: 8th November 2024
A LEGO musical biopic might sound unconventional, maybe even a bit wild, but Piece by Piece uses this unique approach to capture the essence of Pharrell Williams in a way that’s as imaginative and vibrant as the man himself. In most musical biopics, we expect the usual formula: a glimpse into a humble beginning, a climb to fame, a period of turmoil, and a victorious return to the spotlight. While this structure works, it can feel predictable, sometimes even stale. What if there was a way to break the mould? A way to tell a story that’s as inventive as the artist it celebrates?
Enter Morgan Neville’s Piece by Piece, a daring animated LEGO documentary that flips the conventional biopic on its head. Instead of following a strict, familiar narrative, it leans into LEGO’s colourful, playful spirit to build a portrait of Pharrell that is as multidimensional as his career. Pharrell is an artist known for pushing boundaries, blending genres, and making his own rules—qualities that demand a storytelling approach just as visionary. In Piece by Piece, deciding to animate his life in LEGO isn’t just a gimmick; it’s an inspired choice that allows the film to explore Pharrell’s world with creativity, humour, and a touch of whimsy.
By breaking down the story into “pieces” and assembling them unexpectedly, the film reflects Pharrell’s artistic philosophy of remixing and rebuilding ideas. What might have seemed odd at first glance suddenly feels like the only way to capture the essence of an artist who sees the world a little differently. This isn’t just another rise-fall-redemption story—it’s an imaginative journey through the mind of a true creative, showing that, sometimes, it takes something extraordinary to tell a remarkable story.
The film opens with Pharrell preparing to sit down for an interview with Neville. But rather than Pharrell himself, we’re introduced to his LEGO minifigure, a playful stand-in that sets the tone for what’s to come. Pharrell first suggests using LEGO to tell his story, a concept Neville initially seems unsure about. But Pharrell’s enthusiasm and personal connection to LEGO quickly win him over. For Pharrell, LEGO represents more than just a toy; it’s a powerful metaphor for creativity. He believes everything we create builds upon pre-existing pieces, much like LEGO. What better way to share his life than through a medium that embodies this ethos of building something new from something familiar?
This whimsical approach unfolds into a LEGO musical biopic, where dynamically animated scenes vividly capture critical moments of Pharrell’s life: his formative years, the journey of The Neptunes as they hustled to make it big, his solo success, and more. Each scene is vibrant, imaginative, and visually unique as Pharrell’s music. Piece by Piece becomes an expressive, colourful collage that feels as fresh and inventive as Pharrell himself. The project is quirky and joyful, much like the beats he and Chad Hugo have crafted over the years, while also conveying a more profound message about the importance of authenticity and self-expression.
Even for a Virginia native like myself who knew parts of Pharrell’s story, the film revealed so much I hadn’t heard before—like the surprising fact that Pharrell wrote Teddy Riley’s iconic verse in “Rump Shaker.” And in a brilliant, unexpected twist, they even recreated a Wreckx-n-Effect music video in LEGO form. The result? A hilariously entertaining rendition that’s as fun as it sounds, perfectly capturing the spirit of Pharrell’s unique journey.
Pharrell describes his experience with synesthesia—a condition that allows him to “see” music as colours and shapes rather than sounds. When he listens to a track, his mind transforms the auditory into a vivid visual landscape, blending hues and forms that capture the essence of each note. Piece by Piece brings this idea to life spectacularly, immersing viewers in vibrant colours, dynamic shapes, and creatively used LEGO pieces. Blue plastic blocks ripple like the waves of Virginia Beach, echoing Pharrell’s hometown and its natural rhythms. Transparent bricks catch and refract light, amplifying the sense of inspiration woven throughout the film. Yet, the most striking scenes revolve around making music itself. Beats are represented by mismatched LEGO parts patched together, evoking Frankenstein’s monster—a thrilling assembly that pulses to life with the energy of the rhythm.
The cinematography adds to the magic, with Neville adopting a documentary style that brings a surprising realism to this animated world. The camera moves with the characters as if capturing real-life moments—sweeping across landscapes or adopting a handheld look in more intimate scenes. Close-ups capture expressions, while the focus sometimes shifts to background figures to reveal their reactions. Sometimes, the LEGO figures look like ordinary toys, only to suddenly take on a larger-than-life presence. Despite the playful medium, Neville treats these moments with genuine respect, making it entertaining to see iconic hip-hop artists, producers, and other music legends recreated as mini-figures. Snoop Dogg stands head and shoulders above the rest, thanks to unique extended LEGO legs that capture his towering presence, something Pharrell wryly notes is true to life. The animation team deserves special praise for their meticulous work capturing the essence of Snoop, Busta Rhymes, N.O.R.E., Jay-Z, and other hip-hop icons, adding a layer of authenticity that makes each character instantly recognisable and delightfully lifelike.
Unlike other musicians featured in recent documentaries—such as The Beach Boys or The Beatles—Pharrell Williams’ life stands out for being refreshingly free of scandal or substance abuse. His family has always supported him, and he hasn’t faced the kinds of dramatic familial or personal battles that fuel many music docs. (Rest in peace to his grandmother, who, much like mine, was a source of unwavering strength.) Pharrell has said that his biggest struggles came from stretching himself too thin, a drive that eventually led to creative burnout. However, after reflecting and realigning with his values, he returned to his work with a renewed sense of purpose. His journey serves as a reminder to stay grounded, prioritise self-care, and appreciate those who stand by you through every high and low.
Piece by Piece is as vibrant, inventive, and distinctive as Pharrell. What initially seemed like an ambitious idea is brought to life seamlessly, each element fitting together effortlessly. Its life lessons are presented clearly and thoughtfully, without a trace of heavy-handedness. Like many films in this genre, it occasionally skips over certain moments to emphasise others, so those seeking an in-depth exploration of Pharrell’s history with Chad won’t find it here. But that was never the intent of this biopic’s unique approach. Piece by Piece aims to radiate positivity and celebrate creativity, capturing the essence of Pharrell Williams’ journey. In doing so, it accomplishes exactly what it set out to achieve, delivering an uplifting tribute to his career that resonates with authenticity and joy.
Overall: 7/10
Movie Reviewer
