LEGO-Animated Pharrell Williams Biopic Shines at Telluride Film Festival

“You take it apart, then you put it back together piece by piece”. That phrase encapsulates Pharrell Williams’ inspiration for creating his biopic entirely in the animated LEGO universe.

Turning the typical music-oriented documentary on its head, Williams collaborated with Oscar and Grammy-winning documentarian Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?). Neville directed and conceived a format that brings Pharrell’s creatively rich life to the screen in a happy and engaging way. The approach adds a sense of freshness and originality to the documentary genre.

Similar to conventional biopics, the documentary follows a linear timeline, starting with Williams’ childhood in the projects of Virginia Beach. A bit of an outcast during his early years, he finally found his stride after meeting Chad Hugo in a high school music class. Their collaboration led to talent shows and eventually a contract with manager Teddy Riley, propelling their group, The Neptunes, to unprecedented heights. Neville appears in LEGO form, interviewing Williams about his life, including his neurological condition called Synesthesia, which allows him to see music in vivid colors. This unique aspect serves as a thread for both star and filmmaker to animate Williams’ iconic songs, turning the biopic into a stunning musical experience.

Pharrell’s genius is not only explored through interviews with Neville but also through conversations with numerous colleagues and collaborators such as Gwen Stefani, Jay Z, Missy Elliott, Pusha T, and Justin Timberlake. One notable sequence delves into the creation of “Drop It Like It’s Hot” with Snoop Dogg. The film also covers various hits produced by Williams and Hugo for other artists, including Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” and Williams’ transition to a solo career marked by the hit “Frontin’” featuring Jay Z. The success stories continue, highlighting his ventures into brands like Billionaire Boys Club and Louis Vuitton.

One particularly memorable part of the film showcases Williams’ ultra-confident side during meetings with record label executives who didn’t initially resonate with his vibe. Despite being advised to tone it down, Williams’ self-belief and creative conviction shone through, ultimately helping him navigate his path. His insistence on pushing creative boundaries is what defines him, culminating in his audacious decision to narrate his life story through a LEGO movie.

The documentary’s joyful sequences include the creation of his Oscar-nominated song “Happy.” Williams expresses surprise at the global success of the track but also reflects on a darker period in his life, marked by the advent of Black Lives Matter and a heightened awareness of societal issues. Despite these dark moments, Piece By Piece maintains its PG-rated, inspiring tone, encouraging viewers to let their creativity flourish and use music to infuse their lives with purpose and joy.

Piece By Piece is a dynamic blend of documentary, biopic, animated movie, musical, and character study. Williams and Neville have masterfully taken the various elements of Williams’ life apart and put them back together in a seamless and engaging narrative. The film leaves audiences with hope, inspiration, and a collection of unforgettable songs.

Producers of the biopic include Mimi Valdes, Pharrell Williams, Morgan Neville, and Caitlin Rogers. The film is titled Piece By Piece and premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. It will be distributed by Focus Features. Directed by Morgan Neville, the cast includes Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Jay Z, Missy Elliott, Pusha T, Justin Timberlake, and Teddy Riley. It has a PG rating and a runtime of 1 hour and 93 minutes.

Source: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter