He’s just 51-years-old (looking good for his age by the way) but it hasn’t stopped many approaching Pharrell Williams about adapting his life for the big screen.  It wasn’t until he met Academy Award winning documentarian Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom) and talked through a unique idea that he felt comfortable with the approach.  Oh, and that idea?  A documentary put together entirely using Lego animation!

If you’re not musically inclined, Pharrell Williams is an American who’s Wikipedia occupations are listed as “musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur.”  Forbes estimates his net worth at $250 million and he’s won 13 Grammy Awards from 42 nominations.  He’s got two Oscar nominations (one as a songwriter, one as a producer), he’s currently the Men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton, and he’s serving as co-chair for the 2025 Met Gala.  I know rich/successful people aren’t aways happy but from the outside looking in, life appears damn good for Pharrell.

I’m a touch cynical when it comes to documentaries like this.  Can the filmmakers be truly objective about the subject matter when he’s also a producer of the film?  It does come across as a glorified puff-piece with a major focus on Pharrell’s strengths, achievements, and collaborations with other famous artists.  The “toughest” it gets is when Pharrell concedes he made an album that, with the benefit of hindsight, he concedes was far from his best work.

There will be an audience for this and that’s largely admirers of the successful artist.  Much of what we learn in the movie can be read online but, in the same manner as other music/concert docos, long-time fans will soak it up and enjoy the visual celebration of his life and work.  I’ll say this though – I liked the Lego approach and it creates an interesting point of difference.  It also allows us to smoothly move between current day interviews and historical re-enactments without realising.

Offering insight from the likes of Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Missy Elliott (amongst others), Piece by Piece won’t shake any foundations but it’s there to be enjoyed for people who want it.