piece by piece explores Williams’ origin story and career entirely through Lego-based animation. It’s a gorgeous visual symphony brought to life through delightful recreations of iconic music videos (a rocky rendition of Wreckx-n-Effect’s very “Rump Shaker” video from 1992, saxophone-playing sea siren and all, is a personal favorite ); kaleidoscopic splashes of color illustrating Williams’ synesthesia; and the visualization of beats as kinetic block clusters that help flesh out what still remains a mystery to many people: what exactly a music producer does. Not to mention an all-star cast of cast members, all rendered as lovingly detailed, instantly recognizable Lego minifigures: including Jay-Z, Daft Punk, Gwen Stefani, Missy Elliott, Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg. The result is not only an encouraging story about how a daydreamer of the Virginia Beach projects became a renaissance person of our time, but also a refreshingly self-confident examination of creativity and the search for one’s own purpose.

Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams in the film by director Morgan Neville Piece by piece.

Photo: Courtesy of Focus Features

Five years ago, Williams turned to director Morgan Neville, winner of the 2013 Oscar for Best Documentary Feature 20 feet from fameHe called him “the best storyteller there is.” According to Williams, the plan was: “I would give him all the pieces, including all the music, and just let him tell the story the way he sees fit – and not take over the process and incorporate all of these pretentious aspects of myself.” Career and achievement. But I wanted to do it with Lego bricks, which would be difficult – but it could be fun if we could do it.”

Legos were among Williams’ earliest toys and had kept him busy as a father. “When I tell my story, I want my kids to understand it,” Williams says of his aha moment, “and doing it under the guise of Legos would make that easier.”

Neville remembers Williams’ suggestion to him: “I want you to make a documentary, finish it, then take all the pictures, throw them away and do it again in Lego.” His reaction? “I don’t know what the hell that means, but I’m really interested in finding out.”