Tue Sep 10 17:36:58 UTC 2024: ## Lego Pharrell and a Chimp Robbie: Music Biopics Get a Wild Makeover at TIFF

TORONTO – The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is known for its unconventional selections, and this year is no different. Two music biopics, **”Piece by Piece”** about Pharrell Williams and **”Better Man”** about Robbie Williams, have taken the genre on a surprising journey, ditching traditional portrayals for unique and unexpected twists.

In **”Piece by Piece,”** Pharrell Williams isn’t played by an actor, but by a Lego figurine. The film, directed by Morgan Neville, chronicles Williams’ life from his Virginia Beach upbringing to his rise as a music icon. Lego versions of everything from Jay-Z to Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” album appear, creating a whimsical and charming visual experience. Pharrell himself embraces the unconventional format, stating “I’m just so grateful that everybody said yes.”

**”Better Man”** takes a different approach, casting Robbie Williams as a chimpanzee. The film, directed by Michael Gracey (“The Greatest Showman”), uses motion capture technology to place a CGI chimp on actor Jonno Davies, with Williams’ real eyes providing a unique and unsettling touch. The film is R-rated, showcasing Williams’ rock ‘n’ roll excess with a generous dose of cocaine.

While **”Piece by Piece”** feels playful and family-friendly, **”Better Man”** offers a darker, more introspective take on Williams’ career. Both films, however, seek to capture the essence of their subjects beyond the usual music biopic tropes.

“This is about being who you are, even if it’s not something that can be put in a box,” said Pharrell Williams. The unconventional choices may have audiences questioning their expectations of the genre, but they undoubtedly provide a fresh and memorable take on the lives of two music legends.

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