Pharrell Williams, the celebrated musician and producer, has recently entered the spotlight with the release of his animated biopic titled “Piece By Piece.” Directed by Morgan Neville, whose previous works include the Oscar-winning documentary “20 Feet From Stardom,” this film is notable for its exceptional visual style that employs Lego stop-motion animation to tell the story of Pharrell’s life and career. However, one key aspect that has drawn the attention of both critics and fans is the omission of “Blurred Lines,” a song that Pharrell co-wrote and which sparked significant controversy due to its plagiarism trial involving Marvin Gaye’s estate.
In “Piece By Piece,” Pharrell’s artistic journey is depicted with a fantastical twist, as he is represented as a Lego figure. Critics have praised the film for its unique and charming aesthetic, referring to it as “disarmingly joyous.” Yet, amidst the accolades, the absence of any substantial engagement with the “Blurred Lines” issue has raised eyebrows. The song, which became a massive hit in 2013, was embroiled in a legal battle that resulted in Pharrell and Robin Thicke being ordered to pay $5 million to Gaye’s estate. This decision sparked a conversation about copyright law, creativity, and the boundaries between influence and theft in the music industry.
Morgan Neville, in an interview, expressed that he initially intended to touch upon the controversy surrounding “Blurred Lines.” He had even interviewed Robin Thicke for insights but ultimately decided against including the narrative. “The more I looked at trying to work it in, a scene about copyright law, it felt like it belonged in a different movie,” he stated. For Neville, the focus of “Piece By Piece” was on Pharrell’s artistic evolution and emotional growth rather than delving into the courtroom drama surrounding the lawsuit. This decision to omit the trial underscores a broader point: that sometimes certain stories might not harmonize with the overall narrative being told.
The trial over “Blurred Lines” has profound implications in the music world. Many legal experts and songwriters criticized the verdict for blurring the line between inspiration and plagiarism. As a result, it has become standard practice for songwriters to credit and compensate the creators of works that influence them. Neville shared his frustrations with the ruling, describing it as one of the worst judicial decisions regarding creativity, affirming his belief in Pharrell’s innocence in the case.
The film’s narrative arc follows Pharrell as he re-discovers his creative muse after a period of artistic stagnation. The directorial choice reflects Neville’s introspection about his own career challenges. He illuminates how Pharrell’s unique perspective, shaped by his background in Virginia, propelled him to become an industry leader despite facing initial resistance to his unconventional sound. This complexity has prompted viewers to consider how various artists maintain their authenticity in the commercial music landscape, especially when their uniqueness becomes a hallmark of mainstream success.
Interestingly, Neville’s experience while creating “Piece By Piece” was characterized by its innovative approach. He mentioned his excitement when Pharrell suggested narrating his life story through Lego. The concept quickly evolved from an outrageous idea to a striking representation of Pharrell’s world, highlighting the unexplored potential of animation. When working with Lego, Neville ensured that the beats Pharrell composed were linguistically matched to his synesthetic experience—turning sound into visual forms that resonate with the musician’s artistic vision.
With the advent of “Piece By Piece,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, the film arrives amidst a wave of biopics, especially those centering on musicians. Phantom conventions and formulas typically found in such films, including the recent CGI monkey portrayal of Robbie Williams in “Better Man,” spotlight the necessity for fresh perspectives in storytelling. Neville believes more must be done to create relatable narratives that deeply connect to the artists and their journeys.
The film has made waves not just for its inventive style but for prompting essential conversations about creativity, legality, and artistic identity. While the omission of “Blurred Lines” remains a point of contention, it also invites audiences to ponder broader themes of inspiration and originality in the world of music. In an era where legal battles can overshadow artistry, “Piece By Piece” takes a bold step back to prioritize the heartbeat of Pharrell’s unique creative journey, serving as a reminder that, at its core, music is a celebration of expression and connection.
