A hybrid musical-docu-biopic presented through Lego animation, Piece by Piece is an ambitious concept. This is the colourful story of super producer and singer Pharrell Williams. Williams’ effervescent creativity and playful genre-bending style seem like a natural match for such an unconventional medium. However, while the film brims with vibrant energy, it ultimately falls short of delivering the depth or insight that a story about Pharrell’s remarkable career deserves.
Directed by Morgan Neville (The Saint of Second Chances, Roadrunner) the movie employs familiar documentary techniques to frame its narrative. The interview shots, a re-telling of the neighbourhood he grew up in, and many recording studio conversations. The story starts with a whimsical setup: Lego Pharrell (voiced by the musician himself) prepares for an interview with a Lego version of director Neville. Pharrell then recounts his life through imaginative sequences, beginning with a fantastical dream of himself as a baby sea creature before transitioning to the reality of his childhood in Virginia Beach.
The film follows the familiar trajectory of music biopics—childhood roots, early struggles, meteoric rise, personal and professional conflicts, and eventual redemption. Pharrell’s encounters with other music legends like Gwen Stefani, Missy Elliot, Timbaland, and his Neptunes collaborators Chad Hugo and Shay Haley are highlights, as are the musical milestones that defined his career. But while the nostalgic recreation of hit tracks like Hollaback Girl and Drop It Like It’s Hot provides a jukebox charm, the visual reinterpretation of these moments in Lego form feels like a montage of hits, rather than offering anything substantial to the story. Not much was explored about Pharrell’s mindset during this meteoric rise which led to this feeling a little too skimming over the surface to be a full biopic.
Unfortunately, Piece by Piece struggles to delve beneath the surface of Pharrell’s story. The narrative feels sanitised, with Pharrell’s personal challenges boiled down to being “too trusting” and “afraid of commitment.” These traits, while relatable, don’t fully capture the complexity of a multi-faceted artist like Pharrell. Even pivotal moments, such as the Neptunes breaking free from a restrictive music deal with Teddy Riley, are mentioned in passing without further exploration. Similarly, Pharrell’s songwriting process is glossed over with a simple Lego metaphor, leaving audiences craving more insight into his creative genius.
That said, the film does shine in certain imaginative sequences, such as visualizing Pharrell’s synesthesia with vivid bursts of colour and some truly LEGO movie-inspired whimsical moments like a statue of Neptune coming alive. These glimpses of creativity hint at the potential the film never fully leans into. The soundtrack is as phenomenal as you would expect, all of the big hits are here like Rockstar, Happy and many many more. The score also fits in with the colourful LEGO vibes to put a strong emphasis on the music, something that a biopic on an artist on this level truly deserves.
Despite its shortcomings, Piece by Piece remains a vibrant and enjoyable watch. The LEGO animation is polished, looking similar to the first two LEGO movies. Pharrell’s magnetic personality carries the film through its weaker moments. However, it’s hard not to feel that the film’s playful format and loose narrative leave too many unanswered questions about its fascinating subject.
Piece by Piece is an inventive experiment that celebrates Pharrell’s creativity and eternal optimism, its a shame that it’s let down by a lack of narrative depth and an over-reliance on surface-level charm and spectacle. Whether this is a reflection of Wiliam’s career will be decided by the audience of this film. If you are a fan of Pharrell and those seeking something visually unique, it’s a worthwhile and entertaining ride.
Piece by Piece is in Australian cinemas December 5.
