BY: HALEY BROWN / STAFF WRITER
Piece by Piece is several different movies rolled into one; it is movie gumbo, as it were. It combined many tropes and gimmicks that one would typically expect to get any viewer's attention and ran with it.
Although what is being described sounds like a straight-to-DVD disaster, that is just one of the many reasons that this movie is phenomenal—ultimately leaving a good taste in your mouth.
What can you really expect when you’re making a biopic into an animated Lego movie? Certainly not something as eloquent as it turned out to be. But to save on the flattery, here are the facts on why that is.
First of all, the biggest surprise is the Lego aspect was, in fact, not a gimmick, but an important part of the film. Yes, the animated legos made it easier to watch for all ages, that was part of the point. But majorly, it was to add more depth to the points the film delivered. Seeing Pharrell’s history, and the history of modern music, from the nostalgic whimsical view of Lego animation added to the point of the film. Watching this movie was like being a little kid looking through a kaleidoscope. Your eyes are glued to it with joy and wonder.
But that leads to perhaps the most significant part of all, the music. The film being animated through legos and bright colors was meant to make the viewer feel how Pharrell felt with music, mesmerized. The story of Pharrell’s rise to fame via his passion for music is the heart and soul of the film.
Had it been delivered through live-action, the message of Pharrell’s infatuation, a sixth sense even, for music would not have been as clear. From starting as a little kid in Virginia Beach playing drums to being the inspiration for new sounds all around the world, the music in the film seamlessly transitions us into every part of the story. Combined with the animation, that's probably already enough to make it a good movie.
To thank for that though, besides the creators of the music themselves, is director Morgan Neville. What documentary would be complete without interviewing the people involved in Pharrell's journey? Helping to tell the story of Pharrell’s rise to fame, many artists and family alike who were there to see him grow were interviewed by Neville, and there were a lot.
We heard from famous creators such as Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, and many more. This documentary style was executed throughout the entire film, which was unexpectedly entertaining. It was a weird but cool fusion of fiction and reality, despite the fact that the film was animated and had silly Lego jokes on screen. It was telling real, important, impactful stories, like how the iconic song Happy started a mental health movement across the globe, or how Pharrell created the ever-recognizable beat to the song “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar, a known anthem for civil rights against police violence.
Besides the impactful plot behind the music, it's also just fun to listen to. As this tale of music is told, the timing and selection of songs in each scene aid in the seamless transitions the viewer sees in Pharrell’s journey. From Pharrell’s first iconic single Frontin to the Grammy-winning Get Lucky, we can see how each song in the film is not only a bop but a step in Pharrell’s evolution.
Listening to these songs as they are being made creates an immersive experience that makes the audience feel like they’re living the moment with him. There are serious songs that make your heart sink, and there are upbeat songs paired with jokes for laughs. Despite the depth of the film, it still has an even balance of lighthearted entertainment, and it's more impactful themes.
At its core, Piece by Piece is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and passion. The film emphasizes how Pharrell’s relentless commitment to his craft allowed him to overcome numerous challenges and continue evolving as both an artist and a person. It highlights that his success is not just the result of talent but of an unwavering passion for his work. Ultimately leaving an inspiring message that like Lego pieces, life’s challenges and opportunities can be assembled into something extraordinary.
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