A Colorful Journey of Pharrell Williams in LEGO Animation
Before I watched this LEGO movie, I knew only two of Pharrell Williams’ songs, being the hits Get Lucky and Happy. I suspect many who will see Piece by Piece will know many more. Now, having watched this animated documentary, I’m far better informed.
The film paints Pharrell as a man-child who felt he didn’t fit in and has since forged a remarkable career. He’s excelled as a musician and music producer, stamped his mark on fashion and is an unashamed deep thinker. He’s also a dreamer, someone who wants to make a positive difference to the world. It charts his story from humble beginnings through to how he got his start in the music business, forging a special bond with Chad Hugo, and beyond. In fact, he became known as one half of the music production duo The Neptunes.
From the outset, Pharrell saw color in music. It moved him and it called out to him. He went on to produce hit songs for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, and Gwen Stefani. The voices of all feature in Piece by Piece, as do Pharrell’s, his parents, and many who work with him, including other big-name stars.
Pharrell is considered one of the most influential music producers of the 21st century. He has won 13 Grammy Awards, including those for 2004, 2014, and 2019 Producer of the Year. His own music style morphed from hip-hop to pop. He partnered with a Japanese fashion icon to create the streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club.
Co-written and directed by Morgan Neville, Piece by Piece has been crafted using LEGO animation. The movie charts Pharrell’s path in linear fashion, including some bumps and wrong turns along the way. You get the feeling that at times he struggled to find meaning, but when he did, it was pure joy. He comes across as an ideas man who is driven to create. There is no stopping him, as he throws himself headlong into his projects.
I was very surprised at how well the LEGO representation captured the essence of the man. His authenticity is never in doubt. Piece by Piece is colorful and creative. It’s an instructive and easy watch, and paints a picture of a talented artist who has kept pushing through.
Alex First is a Melbourne-based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
FAQs
1. Who directed the movie Piece by Piece?
Piece by Piece was co-written and directed by Morgan Neville.
2. How many Grammy Awards has Pharrell Williams won?
Pharrell Williams has won 13 Grammy Awards, including those for 2004, 2014, and 2019 Producer of the Year.
3. Which famous music production duo was Pharrell Williams part of?
Pharrell Williams was known as one half of the music production duo The Neptunes.
4. What is the streetwear brand created by Pharrell Williams?
Pharrell Williams partnered with a Japanese fashion icon to create the streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club.
5. How is Pharrell Williams portrayed in the movie Piece by Piece?
Pharrell Williams is portrayed as a man-child who felt he didn’t fit in but has since forged a remarkable career as a musician, music producer, and fashion icon.
6. What animation style was used in Piece by Piece?
Piece by Piece was crafted using LEGO animation.
7. What is the main theme of Piece by Piece?
Piece by Piece charts Pharrell Williams’ journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential music producers of the 21st century.
8. Who are some of the big-name stars featured in the movie Piece by Piece?
The movie features voices of Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Pharrell Williams, his parents, and many who work with him.
9. What is the overall tone of Piece by Piece?
Piece by Piece is colorful, creative, and an instructive watch that paints a picture of a talented artist who perseveres through challenges.
10. What sets Piece by Piece apart from other music documentaries?
Piece by Piece stands out for its use of LEGO animation to tell the story of Pharrell Williams in a unique and visually engaging manner.