By Variety | Created at 2024-11-25 23:13:24 | Updated at 2024-11-27 12:36:55
1 day ago
Brick by brick, Pharrell Williams has built his life. Williams, a man of constant reinvention, has again surprised the world with the animated biopic, “Piece by Piece.” The documentary chronicles his life from childhood to international stardom and his eventual rediscovery of himself. The film, directed by Oscar-winner Morgan Neville, uses Lego to render Pharrell’s story, creating a playful and poignant narrative. For Pharrell, however, the story isn’t just about the bricks — it’s about the soul.
The metaphor of Lego resonates deeply with him, representing his construction of moments, relationships, and choices. “The concept came from a series of conversations I wasn’t initially open to,” Williams told Variety‘s Awards Circuit podcast. “When my agent said I could do it any way I wanted, it clicked. Lego was perfect because it gave me the distance to see my story objectively. I could finally appreciate my journey, flaws and all.”
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Pharrell’s collaboration with Neville granted the filmmaker free rein over the story — and Pharrell’s extensive music catalog. “If I had told my story myself, it would’ve been a Frankenstein of hubris,” Pharrell joked. “Morgan turned it into something genuine.”
Five original songs punctuate the film, including the title track, “Piece by Piece.” But, writing the music presented a unique challenge for the Grammy-winning artist. “It wasn’t about my daily life; it was about my soul. That made it more meaningful but also harder,” he says. “The first version of the song didn’t have the urgency it needed, so I rewrote it. Writing about your essence, not your reflection, demands a different kind of honesty. When I look in the mirror, I see my flaws, fears, everything society wants you to regret. But Lego allowed me to see my soul’s purpose beyond all that. I want to be known as a liberator — someone who shares tools to help others find their freedom.”
Pharrell continues to evolve in music with experiments. In 2024, he quietly released “Black Yacht Rock Volume One” without considerable fanfare. “They’re just leaked demos,” he said. “I haven’t even begun that project yet.”
The screenings of “Piece by Piece” have not been without some controversy. Protests from PETA interrupted two festival showings — at Toronto and London — over Pharrell’s work as Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director. His response to the disruptions? Grace.
“Let them speak,” Pharrell says. “Protests are an important way for people to express dissent. It’s about listening, not shutting people down.”
Though tight-lipped about future projects, Pharrell hints at more surprises ahead. “The element of surprise is everything. If you know what’s coming, the magic is gone,” he smirked. Regarding the rapidly changing entertainment industry, Pharrell remains optimistic. “This isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of something new.”
In uncertain times, Pharrell offers advice that is as uplifting as his music. “You have to be the sunlight you want to see in others,” he said. “The only choice is to embody the unity and understanding you wish to experience.”
Also on this episode, breakout “Sing Sing” star Clarence Maclin.
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is your one-stop source for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each episode, “Awards Circuit” features interviews with top film and TV talent and creatives, discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines, and much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you download podcasts
