Piece by Piece tells the true story of singer/songwriter and record producer Pharrell Williams’ life through the use of LEGO animation. Presented as a documentary, the film uses the voices of Pharrell Williams, director Morgan Neville, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg.

This film is a perfect example as to why I avoid trailers. While I was under the assumption that this film told the story of Pharrell Williams, I did not know it was more of a documentary. That aspect really surprised me, especially since it was told through LEGO animation. I thought at least it would be told through a story from start to finish. Instead, I really liked the documentary style. It invites younger viewers to visit a story of one person who has had a major impact on the music industry.

I have always enjoyed Pharrell’s music growing up. N.E.R.D.’s music used to be amongst my favorite music growing up with Sooner or Later being one of my all-time favorite songs. His contribution in movie’s have always had an impact on me. However, there is still quite a bit that I didn’t know about him. Without him, we wouldn’t have the like of artists like Gwen Stefani or Snoop Dogg. While I am sure these artists would still be relevant to a certain degree, Williams made beats for them that forever changed their career.

It’s understandable why this story is worth telling. Through his upbringing, I could also see myself. Back in middle and high school, I also just wanted to play music. I could see others who are at that age being inspired by the film to keep pushing themselves to be in the music industry. Beyond his foundation in the music scene, Williams has gone through a hero’s arc. Just as he becomes big, what made him once relevant quickly makes him irrelevant as he lets his guard down. Once he lets what others tell him to do, you can see where his musical genius begins to quickly diminish, putting him in a place where he is lost and has to find his way again.

Through his journey getting back in the music scene, he realizes how much of an impact he has had on others around the world. I never knew he helped produce Kendrick Lamar’s track, “Alright,” which is also one of my all-time favorite songs. I did know he created “Happy” for Despicable Me, but I never knew the impact he had around the world with that song. “Alright” and “Happy” have two completely different meanings, and yet they have both had a major impact on the world. I’d like to think that through his music, he is able to unify people from around the world. Not only do I think I’d be where I am without his music, I simply don’t think the world would be where it is now without his contribution. He seems to know what the world needs through his music.

Since seeing this yesterday, I am going to keep all of my thoughts on the plot there. This film gave me a lot to think about. More importantly, I am amazed at how much I want to see this again. I typically don’t have a desire to rewatch documentaries. Through the use of animation, the film is able to solidify on its own ideas. For one, there is some creativity that the film uses to dive deeper into Pharrell’s mindset. Second, the film wouldn’t be able to get away with what it does without its animation. There are some genuinely funny moments in the film that I won’t give away. When I saw what the film got away with to meet its PG rating, I had to register it for a second and then genuinely laugh-out-loud as to how they pulled it off.

As for the flaws I had with the film, I do believe the film doesn’t cover as much as it could have. I would have liked to have known more about the formation of N.E.R.D. and where they are at today. One character that has a poignant impact on Pharrell’s life is a character named Chad. I would have liked to have seen more from him. Without him, there probably wouldn’t be the Pharrell Williams that we know today. Even at 93 minutes, the film could have tackled more, but I am sure they had to keep it shorter to fit the tone of the film.

Overall, Piece by Piece is a film you certainly need to see. Whether you are familiar with the name or not, you will be familiar with the music he has made. I am going to keep my thoughts here rather short, because I think I have tackled everything that’s on my mind without spoiling anything else. It is unlike I have ever seen. The music and themes hits. The animation is beautiful. Please. Go see this. I am interested in seeing if this will be nominated for Best Documentary or Best Animated Film at the Oscars. That’s how groundbreaking the film is.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)