Early on in “Piece by Piece,” Morgan Neville’s unorthodox doc about one of popular music’s most influential figures, Pharrell Williams expresses that Legos are the best way for him to communicate his creativity.
Pharrell Williams and Legos
“I was given Lego sets as a child, and that was a really amazing platform for me to allow my imagination to flourish and to learn things about myself, as it has for most kids and a lot of people — millions and millions of people on this planet,” Williams shared with Variety at the Toronto Film Festival, where “Piece by Piece” premiered internationally.
The Cinematic Liberty of Lego
While most documentaries rely on footage captured by the director, teaming with the toy company gave Williams and his team a unique freedom in creating the documentary. Making the Lego-animated film was described as an “unprecedented exercise” by Williams.
Tracey Biel
Collaborators and Surprises
“Piece by Piece,” set to release on Oct. 11 through Focus Features and Universal Pictures, showcases interviews and narratives with Williams’ closest collaborators in the music industry. The film features appearances by Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Pusha-T, and Timbaland, all of whom were unaware they would be portrayed as Legos in the film.
Unscripted Reactions
Williams explained that the decision to keep the Lego portrayal a secret was intentional. He wanted genuine, unfiltered reactions from the participants, avoiding any influence on their responses. This approach aimed to maintain the authenticity and vividness of the film.
Universal Storytelling
Williams emphasized that the film’s visual style and broad audience appeal were deliberate choices to ensure the story’s universality. Despite his background as a Black man from a marginalized community, the use of Legos was a conscious decision to make the narrative accessible to all viewers.
Once the participants discovered their Lego animated versions, they were supportive and pleasantly surprised, adding to the project’s positive reception.
The Power of Collaboration
Williams reflected on the collaborative effort behind the film, highlighting the numerous affirmations received in contrast to the common rejections he faced. The support from Morgan Neville, Lego, Focus Features, Universal Pictures, and the universe itself made the seemingly impossible project a reality.
Variety‘s Toronto Film Festival studio is sponsored by J.Crew and SharkNinja.
FAQs
Q: What is the release date of “Piece by Piece”?
A: The film is set to release on October 11 through Focus Features and Universal Pictures.
Q: Who are some of the music stars featured in the documentary?
A: The film includes appearances by Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Pusha-T, and Timbaland.
Q: Why did Pharrell Williams choose to portray the interviews in Lego form?
A: Williams aimed to capture genuine reactions from the participants and ensure the film’s universal appeal by using Legos as a storytelling medium.
Credit: variety.com
