Directed by the Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom), Piece by Piece pushes boundaries by using LEGO-style animation to narrate Williams’ rise from humble beginnings in Virginia Beach to global stardom as a multifaceted music producer, singer, and songwriter. This 93-minute film is not only Neville’s first foray into animation, but it’s also a bold collaboration with Williams himself, who is both the subject and a producer of the film. The use of animation was inspired by Williams’ experience with synesthesia, a neurological condition that allows him to perceive sounds as colors and shapes. This unique visual interpretation sets the documentary apart from more conventional approaches, transforming it into a sensory, highly engaging experience.
The decision to animate Piece by Piece using LEGO was an unconventional choice, but it serves as a playful and imaginative way to depict Pharrell’s life. The colorful, blocky visuals lend the film a whimsical tone while underscoring the artist’s creative process. The result is a visually stimulating narrative that breathes new life into the documentary format, offering audiences a glimpse into how Pharrell perceives the world around him. Neville, despite his extensive experience in the documentary genre, had never before worked with animation. Yet, his direction seamlessly integrates these animated sequences with Williams’ candid interviews, creating a dynamic interplay between reality and abstraction.
Pharrell himself is deeply involved in the film, providing never-before-heard insights into his personal and professional life. Through intimate conversations with Neville—both transformed into their own LEGO avatars—Williams reflects on the challenges and triumphs that have defined his journey. The film takes viewers through key moments of his career, from the early struggles in the projects of Virginia Beach to his meteoric rise in the music industry. While Piece by Piece doesn’t shy away from exploring the obstacles Williams has faced, it remains an uplifting celebration of his innovation and perseverance.
A major highlight of the documentary is its soundtrack, featuring many of Pharrell’s most iconic tracks, including his chart-topping hit “Happy.” The film also introduces two new original songs, one of which, also titled “Piece by Piece,” is performed alongside the Princess Anne High School marching band, adding a nostalgic layer to the narrative. This track, in particular, is poised to make a serious run for best original song at the Oscars, and could easily become a fan favorite during awards season.
Speaking of the Oscars, Piece by Piece is likely to face the Academy’s notorious genre bias. Historically, films that blur the lines between categories—like animated documentaries—have had a hard time finding their place at the Academy Awards. A notable example is 2008’s Waltz with Bashir, an animated doc that received a nomination for best international feature but missed out on other major categories. Similarly, 2021’s Flee became the first film to be nominated for both best documentary feature and best animated feature, but even it fell short of a best picture nod.
No documentary has ever been nominated for best picture, and only a select few animated films—Beauty and the Beast (1991), Up (2009), and Toy Story 3 (2010)—have broken into the best picture race. Despite this, Focus Features, which plans to release Piece by Piece in wide theaters on October 11, is preparing to mount an aggressive awards campaign. They aim to position the film not only for best documentary feature and best animated feature consideration but also for best picture and best original song.
Given the relatively light competition in this year’s awards circuit, Piece by Piece might just have a shot. Pharrell Williams is a widely beloved figure, known not only for his musical contributions but also for his creative vision and influence in the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Morgan Neville has earned considerable respect as a filmmaker, further enhancing the film’s credibility in the eyes of Academy voters.
Ultimately, Piece by Piece offers a refreshing, imaginative take on both Pharrell’s career and the documentary genre as a whole. Whether or not it makes history at the Oscars, the film has already carved out its place as one of the most distinctive and talked-about entries of the 2024 festival season. The synergy between Williams’ unique perspective and Neville’s innovative direction ensures that Piece by Piece will leave a lasting impression on audiences and could push the boundaries of what’s possible in both animated and documentary filmmaking.
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