47/46
The first theatrical Lego film not produced or released by Warner Bros
Scenario
A live-action journey through the life of Pharrell Williams, told through the lens of LEGO animation. Pictures. The opening logos for Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Tremolo Productions, and Lego Group are made of Lego bricks. In early screenings of the film, the Universal logo was not present in the opening.
I thought so too until I watched PIECE BY PIECE
Starring in Graham Norton and guest stars: Billy Crystal/Emily Mortimer/Hugh Bonneville/Pharrell Williams/Michael Kiwanuka (2024). It’s Happening Written by Pharrell Williams and Shelly Berg Performed by Pharrell Williams Courtesy of Columbia Records/Sony Music Entertainment You might think Pharrell Williams is too young to have his own biographical documentary. It’s a LEGO animated version of Pharrell’s life and career, which is the most “Pharrell” thing he’s ever done: challenge genres as a person and with his music. I only knew him as a musician, but he’s done so much more as a producer.
It also sheds light on what music producers actually do
It opened my eyes to how many great songs Pharrell and his band, The Neptunes, have created. To name a few artists: Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Missy Elliott, and even Snoop Dogg, who has a really funny joke in it. The film was directed by Morgan Neville, who won an award for his documentary 20 FEET FROM STARDOM. It does a great job of describing the ups and downs of life.
This movie has a lot of fun little details because of the LEGO aesthetic
One of the more fascinating aspects of it is how it depicts the way Pharrell listens to music. He has synesthesia, where he can actually see colors in his head while listening to music. One thing I didn’t expect was the portrayal of loss, especially the Black Lives Matter movement. Pharrell didn’t want to make another run-of-the-mill biopic, this is definitely a breath of fresh air that’s more than just a gimmick.
Imagination is so powerful
It’s a testament to believing in yourself and being your unique self. If you’re a Pharrell fan, go see it. If you’re a LEGO fan, go see it. If you just want to be happy, go see PIECE BY PIECE.