Piece by Piece review by Bobby Blakey
I love documentaries, but most of them aren’t overly creative. Not saying they need to be as if it is a compelling subject matter, it can still deliver a powerful and informative story. When they step out of a comfort zone to deliver something unique then it has the chance to be something special. The latest is Piece by Piece that is breaking down all those rules to bring us a documentary like never before featuring Snoop Dogg, N.O.R.E., Busta Rhymes, Jay Z, Gwen Stefani, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Kendrick Lamar and so many more.
Piece by Piece is a unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music's most innovative minds.
As a hardcore fan of hip hop of course I was interested in this story and the use of the LEGO brand had me intrigued, but wondered if the gimmick would wear thin or offer up that something special. I not only love the way it uses this animation theme to tell the story, but it makes something that is a straightforward story and turns it into a bright vibrant visionary tale that immerses you in a new and familiar world that fits perfectly with the subject matter.
The unique and creative aspect of Pharrell blends perfection into a story like this. It uses his own visions and incorporates them into the animated world that gives you the vibe of his own creative nature and narrative to his life and career. It keeps it all fun and free, complete with some over-the-top visuals that wouldn’t have worked in any other way.
As beautiful, interesting, intriguing and great as the whole thing is, I believe a
great aspect of making the film like this gave more options to get people to speak on the history. Those that might not feel comfortable in front of the camera can record and be animated here and I think it offered more freedom than they might have gotten otherwise. Through the ups and downs the story of the iconic Pharrell Williams is one that is inspirational and a learning experience whether you love music or not.
Be warned, there is so much great music in this film that he has his hand in that you will be hard pressed not to want to dance and sing a long lifting the soul through all your senses to the very last dance number. I hope that this film sparks a fire to filmmakers to look for that creative spark in the world of documentaries like this in the future.
Turn up the volumes and check out Piece by Piece now on digital.