The new animated documentary, Piece by Piece, focuses on Pharrell Williams, the renowned music artist and producer. The film takes place in a Lego-inspired visual world. During an interview between a mini-fig version of Pharrell and director Morgan Neville, Pharrell discusses the idea of creating something new from existing elements, likening the universe to a Lego set. He suggests that the entire film could be Lego to showcase “limitless color,” which somewhat contradicts his earlier point.
Piece by Piece is set against the backdrop of a growing trend where famous musicians produce documentaries about themselves that resemble elevated album extras rather than traditional films. These projects cater to fans who have already invested in the artists’ careers, often focusing on brand maintenance rather than offering genuine introspection. On one end of the spectrum is Ezra Edelman’s in-depth Prince documentary, which faces potential release issues due to the reluctance of Prince’s estate. On the other, Piece by Piece features Lego Pharrell navigating a relationship with his Neptunes partner, Chad Hugo, despite their real-life estrangement and ongoing legal disputes.
While Pharrell’s contributions to music are undeniable, the documentary falls short in storytelling, presenting his life as a list of events without highlighting their significance. The narrative skips over potentially meaningful moments, such as his early collaborations with other artists like Timbaland and Missy Elliott, while lingering on less impactful aspects like his corporate partnerships. The film does not explore difficult topics and misses the chance to portray any real conflict, ultimately illustrating Pharrell’s experience as one of unbroken highs.
The use of Lego adds a layer of novelty to the documentary, creating imaginative sequences, such as a playful take on the “Rump Shaker” music video and amusing reactions to Pharrell’s work. However, the animation also constrains the storytelling, especially when introducing contexts that verge on absurdity. A meeting between Pharrell and Snoop Dogg is depicted humorously with “PG spray,” raising questions about the intended audience. When the film addresses serious topics like Black Lives Matter using Lego figures, it creates a strange contrast.
Ultimately, Piece by Piece reveals the challenges of sticking to a unique concept, as the gimmick becomes the film’s defining characteristic rather than an effective storytelling tool.