Pharrell has always found unique ways to express his creativity. In Piece by Piece, a new documentary directed by Morgan Neville, he reveals that Legos played a key role in his imaginative journey. At the film’s Toronto Film Festival premiere, he said, “I was given Lego sets as a child, and that was a really amazing platform for me to allow my imagination to flourish.” The documentary, which will release on October 11th through Focus Features and Universal Pictures, uses Legos for its entire animation. This collaboration allowed for what Williams described as “cinematic liberty that wouldn’t otherwise exist.”
The film features interviews with Williams’ biggest collaborators. These include Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, and Snoop Dogg. Interestingly, the participants didn’t know they would appear as Lego figures. Williams explained, “We wanted people to just answer the questions and really give their full, unedited reactions… we didn’t want them to be influenced.” This surprise element adds to the authenticity and vibrant energy of the film.
Despite its Lego animation, *Piece by Piece* isn’t a children’s movie. Williams stressed, “We’re making this for human beings.” He wanted the documentary to appeal to all audiences. He aimed to capture a universal story. This was important to him, regardless of his background as a Black man from a marginalized community.
Reflecting on the project’s success, Williams acknowledged the many challenges involved. “This film… has been the sum of a lot of yeses,” he shared. “When you come from where I come from and you look like me, you hear a lot of noes… but we’re working on the impossible.” The film’s creative approach and Williams’ vision make it a one-of-a-kind experience.