As a lifelong fan of Pharrell Williams and someone who has followed his career since the Neptunes days, I must say that I am absolutely thrilled about the upcoming biopics! While it may seem excessive to have two films about one person within such a short span, the unique approaches taken by each project make them stand out from the typical music biopic.
Music biographical films have experienced an unanticipated resurgence over the past few years, with movies like “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Elvis”, and “Bob Marley: No Love” all surprising box office successes. The genre continues to thrive, as legends such as Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, and all four Beatles are scheduled for cinematic adaptations in the near future. However, this year and the next could see some of the most unexpected additions to the genre – music innovator Pharrell Williams is slated to star in not just one but two biopics within a two-year span.
From a theoretical standpoint, it seems extravagant to have two biographical films about Pharrell, given his significant impact throughout the 21st century. However, upon closer examination of both projects, they appear to be distinct and, importantly, unconventional enough to break free from the conventionally traditional genre of music biopics.
How Are the Two Pharrell Films Different?
Firstly, it’s important to mention that neither movie seems to follow the typical structure of a biopic. The first one, titled “Piece by Piece“, is scheduled for release in October. Despite being about his career, it offers an unexpected spin. In this film, Pharrell himself narrates his life journey and rise in the music industry, using LEGO blocks and characters to tell his story.
In a fitting manner for an artist as inventive and offbeat as Pharrell, it makes sense to celebrate his legacy through a brand centered around the essence of creativity itself. Director Morgan Neville, renowned for his Oscar-winning documentaries like “20 Feet From Stardom” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”, steps into animation for the first time in this film. Notable interviewees such as Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, and Kendrick Lamar will also appear as LEGO figures. The movie, titled “Piece by Piece”, is set to be released nationwide on October 11.
In a somewhat traditional manner, yet with the unique flair of Michel Gondry (known for movies like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “Be Kind Rewind”), we can expect only a modest departure from convention in the second film. This movie, titled “Atlantis,” appears to be a semi-autobiographical musical, chronicling Pharrell’s childhood in a Virginia apartment complex. Given that the creators have openly admitted to fictionalizing certain aspects of the story, it won’t simply be another music biopic. With the exceptional talent involved, from songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (of “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman”) and a cast featuring Halle Bailey, Brian Tyree Henry, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, it promises to be an intriguing watch. The release date for “Atlantis” is set for May 9, 2025.
Is Pharrell’s Legacy Big Enough for Two Biopics?
Apart from everything else, Pharrell is planning to compose fresh tunes for both movies he’s producing. This leads one to ponder if his decision to produce two self-biopics within a year’s span primarily serves as a form of personal branding. Given that he isn’t as well-known globally as figures like Freddie Mercury or Bob Dylan, it appears unlikely to attract the blockbuster box office earnings typical of music biopic genre in recent times.
Despite not achieving widespread acclaim as a solo artist beyond Illumination Entertainment, his impact as a music producer is undeniably significant. In the early 2000s, he contributed to numerous hits such as “Hollaback Girl”, “Señorita”, and “Drop It Like It’s Hot”. His role in shaping R&B’s influence on popular music during that era deserves a more detailed examination, which could be better achieved through films. Although having two movies released so close together might seem excessive, they offer distinct and unique perspectives that set them apart from other titles in the genre, making them potentially valuable additions. Piece By Piece is scheduled for release on October 11.
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2024-09-08 05:31