Lego ventures into documentary filmmaking with 'Piece by Piece,' an animated biopic of Pharrell Williams, directed by Morgan Neville. The film, which cost $16 million, explores Williams' life and career using Lego animation to depict key moments and his experience of synesthesia. The documentary has received mixed reviews, with some praising its creativity and others criticizing its superficial portrayal of Williams.
Lego has taken a bold step into the world of documentary filmmaking with 'Piece by Piece,' an animated film that chronicles the life of musician and producer Pharrell Williams. Directed by Oscar-winner Morgan Neville, the film uses Lego bricks to creatively express Williams' unique experiences, including his synesthesia, where he sees colors when he hears sounds. Despite its innovative approach, the film has sparked a variety of reactions from audiences and critics alike, highlighting both its imaginative storytelling and perceived superficiality in handling its subject's life.
Morgan Neville's 'Piece by Piece' not only delves into Pharrell Williams' illustrious career but also experiments with the format by using Lego animation. This approach allowed Neville to visually represent abstract concepts like synesthesia, transforming Williams' sensory experiences into vibrant Lego scenes. The film includes various stages of Williams' life, from his early days in Virginia Beach to his rise as a global music icon. Lego's involvement extended beyond mere animation; they customized character designs to enhance authenticity, particularly in representing diversity in skin tones and hair styles.
While 'Piece by Piece' has been lauded for its creativity and the novel use of Lego animation, it has also faced criticism for its depth of narrative. Some reviewers argue that the film plays it safe, skirting deeper issues in Williams' life and career, thus serving more as a celebratory piece rather than a critical look at the artist. This sentiment is echoed in concerns about the film's engagement with complex themes like racial identity and celebrity culture, which some feel are only superficially addressed.
Lego's foray into documentary-style filmmaking with 'Piece by Piece' represents a significant pivot in their cinematic strategy. Moving away from purely fictional narratives like 'The Lego Movie,' this project aligns with Lego's brand ethos of inspiring creativity and innovation. However, it also highlights the challenges of maintaining authentic storytelling while using a medium inherently associated with playfulness and fantasy. The film's reception may determine the future of similar projects within the Lego cinematic universe.
Lego's 'Piece by Piece' stands out as a creative endeavor that pushes the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking through its use of animation. While it captures the essence of Pharrell Williams' artistic journey and his unique sensory experiences, the film also opens up discussions about the limitations and possibilities of conveying real-life stories within an animated framework. As Lego continues to explore this new genre, the balance between innovation and depth will be crucial in defining their success in the documentary field.
"One thing I realized right away was that it wasn’t just about translating a documentary into animation, it was about using what animation could do that documentary couldn’t do, which is take you into the fantasy world. I found it so liberating, all the things you can communicate visually that you don’t have to say." - Morgan Neville