As for the imagination, In parts visually and creatively impressive. It combines documentary filmmaking (which is very traditional here) and the wonderful LEGO animation style. When I saw that it was a documentary about Pharrell Williams, I was surprised at first. Turning the life story of a famous producer into a LEGO animated film was ambitious, to say the least. But director Morgan Neville and the animation and writing team - Neville, Oscar Vasquez, Aaron Wickenden and Jason Zeldes - do a phenomenal job of creating something funny out of parts of Williams' life, even if some of those parts aren't all work.
"Piece by Piece" uses color and energetic animation style to tell its story
I couldn't take my eyes off the stunning visuals
In parts great to watch. It's not just the fantastic LEGO animation, but how those elements are used to enhance the story. For example, whenever Williams and the Neptunes, co-created with Chad Hugo, who recently filed a lawsuit for the rights to the duo's name — created a beat that would be made up of different LEGO pieces that would come together and come to life. It bounced up and down, left and right, with bright colors emanating from it, as if it could not be contained. This is a wonderful presentation of music.
There's also a sequence where Williams travels around the world as LEGO animators create a moving globe that spins towards us, coming to life with a variety of LEGO sets for some of the most famous architectural structures. In the climactic scene, when Williams feels overwhelmed, the animation drowns him in water, and this scene, coupled with the cacophonous, kinetic music, perfectly captures his struggles and feelings at that time before plunging into cosmic silence (where he is comforted by Carl Sagan). These elements of the film create a vibrant visual quality that cannot be found in other documentaries.
In parts great to watch. It's not just the fantastic LEGO animation, but how those elements are used to enhance the story.
This is what brought Williams' story to life and made me actively watch it. The filmmaking rises above everything else, making me forget how straightforward the storytelling is. In parts also resonates because it is full of unabashed hope and joy. Williams is adamant about making people feel that way, especially while watching the film. His passion for music and happiness when he talks about it is deeply felt. The filmmakers have captured this essence and turned it into a magical, exceptional spectacle that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Step by step does not dig deeper than necessary
Some aspects of Williams' life don't get much attention.
In addition to LEGO animation and related creativity, In parts When it comes to exploring Williams' life, he takes a fairly traditional route. Interviews with celebrities such as Jay-Z and Missy Elliott drive the chronological life story. Any conflicts - such as the one that led to the breakup of the Neptunes - and revelations - such as Williams' admission that his ego had gotten the better of him - are suppressed and left unexplored. They get a rushed ending in which Williams quickly accepts these things and moves on to the next stage.
It's frustrating when so much time is spent on Williams' rise to fame. Even his relationship with current wife Helen Williams is curtailed, as is his friendship with Hugo, who initially gets some attention and then mostly fades into the background. In parts is primarily concerned with having fun, and that's definitely true. A little girl at my screening stood up and danced every time one of Williams' songs played. It's hard to deny that his energy is infectious, but perhaps I was looking for more depth in a film that could never provide it given its format.
Connected
To this end, In parts is a documentary aimed at both adults and children. LEGO animation ensures that the vulgarity of some of the lyrics and the playback of music videos are greatly toned down. I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic as the film wound its way through Williams' production discography, from songs like Nelly's "Hot in Herre" to Britney Spears' "I'm a Slave 4 U" to Jay-Z's "I Just Wanna." Love U (Give It 2 Me),” the film is filled with the producer’s “best” collection.
His career is a stunning achievement when looked at through the lens of In parts. The documentary manages to break away from certain traditions with its animated format and emphasizes the importance of creating something step by step, as the title hints. Some deep elements are removed to keep the film fun and interesting, but these - admittedly the more interesting aspects - come too late in the film to make an impact. It's a shame, but what the documentary lacks in depth it makes up for in style, creativity and entertainment value.
In parts hits theaters Friday, October 11th. The film runs 93 minutes and is rated PG for language, some suggestive material and thematic elements.
Piece by Piece is an animated musical biopic directed by Morgan Neville. The film follows the life and career of musician and performer Pharrell Williams, who uses LEGOs to show the evolution of his creative process throughout his life.
- The animation is stunning and some scenes really stand out visually.
- The inclusion of music produced by Pharrell Williams adds to the fun.
- The documentary is lively and interesting.
- Some elements of Farrell's life are suppressed, so