The ambition and passion of musical genius Pharrell Williams is finally addressed in “Piece by Piece,” a documentary, but in an increasingly popular medium. Interviewer Morgan Neville sits down with Williams, his parents, and his music industry friends… in Lego form.
That’s right, Williams’ story is told through building blocks. However, it is unlike any other Lego movie that has been made. Instead of tagging along with the adventures of a hilariously plain construction worker (“The Lego Movie”) or the Dark Night in brick form (“The Lego Batman Movie”), this rendition seeks to tell the story of a real life person.
Interview narration is voiced over scenes of Williams going about his Lego life as an aspiring producer and artist, and along the way Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg appear in Lego people form. Some of the scenes felt as though they were built over home videos, but transferred to the Lego medium.
Based on the past Lego movies, high expectations were set and the movie initially failed to meet those expectations. There was a detachment between the voiceover and the mouth movement of whatever Lego person was talking, and it resulted in the real awareness that they were only mouthing the narration. This then lended itself to their interactions, making them feel very scripted.
As mentioned, this movie was unlike any other attempted Lego movie. The simple but infectious humor of the first few were lost and replaced with an abstractness that reflected Williams’ imagination and creative process. Despite its disconnects, Lego proved to be an effective method of conveying this absorption.
Because of this, Williams’ ambition came through strongly. Personality shined through his counterpart’s animated facial expressions. Williams came through as very well spoken and it reflected in his narration, creating a real emotional vulnerability.
Overall, as the documentary progressed, it was more enjoyable. It was ultimately fulfilling in a way that wasn’t expected and unlike the other Lego movies. It was surprising to discover how many popular songs Williams produced. However, this movie doesn’t warrant a rewatch.
To review, this Lego movie doesn’t live up to its predecessors, but it was definitely an interesting way to direct a documentary.
