Pharrell Williams graced the red carpet on Tuesday, accompanied by a LEGO version of himself, as “Piece by Piece” had its international premiere in Toronto. This animated biopic, featuring voices from Pharrell, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay-Z, offers a unique portrayal of Pharrell’s life using LEGO pieces to represent the characters in his story.
Pharrell, a celebrated artist, producer, and songwriter, highlighted the global appeal of using LEGO characters, beloved by children worldwide, to tell his story. He explained that this approach avoids Hollywood clichés and makes the narrative accessible to marginalized communities. Pharrell, who boasts 13 Grammy Awards, including three for Producer of the Year, stated, “LEGO universalizes the story so anyone from a marginalized background can relate. I didn’t want it to be poverty porn, which is a common Hollywood trope.”
“It’s important that you be who you feel like you are” 🚀
Pharrell Williams at the International Premiere of his life story told through the LEGO animated feature film, “PIECE BY PIECE”. #TIFF24 pic.twitter.com/iOCEe8qZ6F
— Screen Off Script (@ScreenOffScript) September 10, 2024
Director Morgan Neville, known for his interest in music producers, was drawn to the project due to Pharrell’s unique perspective on music. Neville, who previously worked on documentaries about Keith Richards and Bono & The Edge, found animation perfect for depicting Pharrell’s life. He noted Pharrell’s synesthesia, a condition where he sees colours when he hears music, saying, “Animation allows you to see the colours and bring the beats he creates to life.”
Pharrell contributed an original song, also titled “Piece by Piece,” reflecting the theme of building dreams from the ground up. He emphasized the importance of diversity in the LEGO characters, stating, “There are all kinds of people on this planet. This continues to be a gift.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Hindustan Times reports on Pharrell’s animated biopic populated by LEGOs, premiering at TIFF 2024, highlighting its unique narrative and creative use of LEGO bricks.(read more)
- Reuters reports on Pharrell Williams’ animated biopic, featuring a Lego-populated world, as he walks the red carpet with the star of the film, sharing his life story through a unique medium.(read more)
- X.com reports on Pharrell’s animated biopic, which features the singer as a LEGO character, highlighting his life story in a unique animated format.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is ‘Piece by Piece’ about?
It’s an animated biopic of Pharrell Williams’ life, told through LEGO characters.
Who voices the characters in ‘Piece by Piece’?
Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay-Z.
Why did Pharrell choose LEGO characters for his biopic?
LEGO characters help universalize the story and avoid typical Hollywood cliches.
Who directed ‘Piece by Piece’?
The film was directed by Morgan Neville.
Did Pharrell contribute any original music to the film?
Yes, Pharrell wrote an original song for the film titled ‘Piece by Piece.’