Animated Film ‘Piece By Piece’ Tells Pharrell Williams’ Life Through Legos

An animated film titled “Piece By Piece,” directed by Morgan Neville, captures the life journey of acclaimed musician Pharrell Williams through the unique medium of Legos. Released as a Focus Features production, the film offers a creative take on a biographical narrative, intertwining Lego animation with real interviews to depict Williams’ ascent from a young boy in Virginia Beach to a Grammy-winning icon.

“Piece By Piece” showcases Williams’ upbringing in the Atlantis Apartments, a public housing complex that he remembers as a vibrant environment, rich with athletic and artistic talent. “There were a lot of athletes that were incredibly gifted, a lot of artists that were incredibly gifted,” Williams recalls, reflecting on how the challenging environment fostered a wealth of talent. The film, directed by Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville, employs vibrant Lego animations to bring this story to light, featuring characters voiced by Williams and other music stars such as Jay-Z and Gwen Stefani.

Pharrell’s artistic journey is further enriched by his experience of synesthesia, a condition causing him to perceive colors when he hears music. He describes it as “seeing a color, hearing a sound,” which is also felt through the film’s visuals, portrayed using Lego bricks. Williams’ ability to “see” music contributed to his unique sound and has been a defining aspect of his career as a producer and songwriter.

The film explores notable phases of Pharrell’s career, from his early success with the producing team The Neptunes to collaborations with renowned musicians like Justin Timberlake and Snoop Dogg. It also touches on his personal challenges and evolving artistic philosophy, which Williams describes as being a “maverick.”

Despite its whimsical approach, “Piece By Piece” addresses tangible themes, blending cultural and personal history. Moments like a Lego depiction of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech are interspersed with Pharrell’s life milestones, giving the film a broader cultural resonance.

Although the portrayal takes creative liberties, the film acknowledges this by stating that “not everything in this film is 100% accurate,” adding a layer of metafictional commentary to the storytelling. The runtime of the film is 93 minutes, and it is set to be released in theaters on October 11, rated PG for its thematic elements and language.