Several years ago, singer, songwriter, producer, musician, fashion icon, and designer Pharrell Williams shared an idea with Morgan Neville. Neville is an Oscar-winning documentarian known for his work on 20 Feet From Stardom.
He has redefined how non-fiction films can address complex topics like musical creation and the culture surrounding it. He has worked on films featuring artists as diverse as Yo-Yo Ma, Johnny Cash, Keith Richards, and Muddy Waters.
Additionally, he has made films about unique individuals like Anthony Bourdain, Orson Welles, and Mr. Rogers, going far beyond simple hype. His films show their works and character, creating something deeper than a biography, richer than a portrait, and more meaningful than just a puff piece.
It’s no surprise that Pharrell would turn to Neville to tell his story. What is surprising, though, is that they chose to do it as a LEGO movie. Even more surprising is how well that decision worked out with the film Piece by Piece.
As someone who loves LEGO, I’ve been collecting sets since childhood. I’m also a film critic who has thoroughly enjoyed the LEGO movies that began with the 2014 The Lego Movie.
That film, made by Lord and Miller, introduced a hero’s journey where the protagonist overcomes limitations, has their imagination embraced, and, with the help of collaborators, finds their true calling.
Neville plays with this kind of hero’s journey in his telling of Pharrell’s story. He uses familiar adventure storytelling techniques to not only explain Pharrell’s success but also to help show what would otherwise be hard to describe.
Pharrell has a condition called synesthesia, where he can “see” sounds as colors. This unique way of experiencing music is brought to life in the film through colorful LEGO bricks that swirl and evolve with the music, helping to visualize Pharrell’s experience of music.
‘Piece by Piece’ Is a Visual Treat
This makes Piece by Piece not only a compelling story but also a beautiful one. It’s much more than a child’s toy; it’s a powerful way to tell this story. The characters are designed in their LEGO minifigure form, adding a sense of fun to the usually boring format of “talking head” interviews.
Neville uses the LEGO medium to bring elements together, mixing interviews, documentary footage, and creative scenes. Like any animated film, the structure was set years in advance, with time for the animators to perfect each frame. This extra time allowed for a rare kind of precision, which isn’t usually possible in documentaries.
Artists like Gwen Stefani, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Snoop Dogg appear in the film as themselves. However, their stories are presented in a dynamic way that mixes humor with deeper moments.
Not all stories about Pharrell are flattering, and the film doesn’t shy away from his mistakes. But it’s still focused on Pharrell telling his story in his own way, while Neville brings his own unique style to the film.
The movie doesn’t address every controversial part of Pharrell’s career, like the “Blurred Lines” controversy, but it is clear that the film is filled with joy. However, it never feels like a simple celebration of Pharrell.
It’s easy to assume this project might come across as self-indulgent, but even non-fans can be impressed by how much Pharrell has shaped pop music over the last few decades. The film argues convincingly that his story deserves to be told.
‘Piece by Piece’ Is as Rich as Any Documentary Portrait
It’s ironic that a LEGO movie can help viewers better understand the reality behind Pharrell’s creative process. This unique approach lets us experience what Pharrell and the other participants are trying to explain.
By the end of the movie, I almost forgot I was watching animated characters moving through LEGO-built worlds. The storytelling is so engaging that the film feels as rich and rewarding as any top-tier documentary.
While it’s unlikely that LEGO movies will become a common format for non-fiction films, this one feels special. It’s as if the filmmakers pulled off something wonderful, giving Neville the creative freedom to tell Pharrell’s story in a new way. Pharrell, in turn, uses the film to reflect not only his musical journey but also his spiritual one.
Fans of Pharrell will certainly enjoy the film, but the movie’s structure ensures that it reaches beyond just his fans. The film raises bigger questions and avoids being too preachy or overly emotional.
Bit by bit, Neville builds Pharrell’s story into something special, blending documentary, animation, storytelling, and music to create something colorful and remarkable.
Piece by Piece is serious about creativity and humble about the importance of joy. In short, Piece by Piece is brilliantly executed, a unique and joyful experience.
Pharrell Williams teamed up with Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville to create Piece by Piece, a LEGO movie that tells Pharrell’s story in a unique, visually attractive way.
The film shows Pharrell’s musical journey, including his synesthesia, where he experiences sounds as colors. Using animated LEGO bricks, Neville crafts a vibrant, engaging narrative, blending interviews, documentary footage, and creative scenes.
While the film highlights Pharrell’s success and creative process, it doesn’t shy away from his mistakes. The result is a colorful and joyful film that goes beyond typical documentaries, offering something special for both fans and non-fans alike.
Piece by Piece was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
