Piece by Piece – Film Review
by Fran Winston

Directed by: Morgan Neville
Starring: Pharrell Williams, Missy Elliot, Gwen Stefani, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake

In cinemas November 8th

Image may be everything in the music business but some artists are eschewing this in favour of being represented onscreen by something else. Robbie Williams’ upcoming biopic Better Man sees him played by a Monkey. Meanwhile, this documentary about music megastar Pharrell Williams sees him represented as a Lego piece. Indeed, everyone featured here is in Lego form as they discuss his work and life. It’s an odd concept justified by a statement Pharrell makes to director Morgan Neville in which he explains that he wants to tell his story in Lego form as his view of the world is like that of a Lego set, which is building something from another pre-existing material. However, given that Lego are producers on this it seems likely it is also to ensure their funding!

This makes for a discombobulating experience. Pharrell’s story is fascinating and his talent and self-belief are undeniable. The way he describes seeing music as colours is fascinating. I just found it incredibly odd listening to his story come out of the mouths of Lego pieces. It is presented in a proper documentary format as “Talking Heads” pop up singing his praises. They just happen to be made of Lego.

I learned a lot about Pharrell from this. I also found myself scratching my head and far too focused on the Lego’s resemblance to the contributors to fully engage with what they were saying. Fans of his work will love this but if you aren’t into his music this could come across as too clever for its own good. Hopefully, it doesn’t start a trend for Lego-based documentaries.