PIECE BY PIECE

US, 2024, 93 minutes, Colour.

Voices of: Pharrell Williams, Morgan Neville, Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefanie, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Buster Rhymes.

Directed by Morgan Neville.

More than something of a surprise. This is a Lego film, all animated Lego. But, it is also something of a documentary on the life and career of music artist, Pharrell Williams.

The title comes from the final song of the film, especially composed by Williams for the finale for this film (and incorporates for more original songs as well as others from his career).

Lego cooperated with creating blocks and figures suitable for presenting African-Americans as well as for presenting musical instruments. Which means then that this is, visually, a delight for Lego fans.

The film traces William’s life and career, opening with an interview with the Dir of this film, Morgan Neville. He traces his origins in the projects in Virginia Beach, his difficulties at school, the fact that he experienced synaesthesia year, seen colours for music. He repeats a year at school, as a musical instrument and opens up to his talent, working with a fellow student, Chad Hugo. They form a group, the Neptunes, and perform at the school, noticed by a popular producer who takes them on and promotes them.

Pharrell Williams worked with quite a number of famous stars whose names can be seen in the credits and who are also interviewed throughout the film.

Eventually, a moving towards rap, becoming a solo artist, and expanding his business interests in all kinds of directions. On the personal level, he met his wife Helen at the party and they married, and there are happy scenes with his son.

During a whole, he contributed to the film Despicable Me, Oscar nomination, interview with Oprah Winfrey.

All in all, with Lego figures and in very bright colours, this is a story of ups and downs but always of optimism, success, and the climax song, Piece by Piece.