By The BKONTHESCENE crew
Piece by Piece – Pharrell Williams @Lightbox Cinema
Singer and producer Pharrell Williams’ life is told through LEGO pieces in this animated feature debut from director Morgan Neville. Wonderful bonus to the fantastic music is that it features voices of Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z.
Retelling Pharrell Williams’ successful career with LEGO is perfect. Piece by Piece tells his story entirely with LEGO which captures the musician’s very creative spirit. We learn about Pharrell’s upbringing in Virginia, his first job at a record label, the start of production duo, the Neptunes with Chad Hugo, the formation of the band N.E.R.D., and more.
Before his career as a singer and performer, Pharrell went into producing with artists like Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg, who are seen in LEGO form. With Piece by Piece, Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville represents Pharrell’s signature beats as little LEGO sculptures. They come to life as his songs develop before becoming hits familiar as Pharrell tracks.
Piece by Piece is a sensory delight – to the eyes and the ears. A real treat. Not to be missed. Adored it!
Big added bonus for the audience… the exit was blocked!? Why? Surprise! We were told we’d miss seeing Pharrel himself if we left! Pharrel, Cameron Bailey and director Morgan Neville appeared on the stage and discussed the film. We could see Pharrel felt honoured to be so loved and admired. He spoke very well. It was a true honour to be in his presence. A real gift. -SW
Saturday Night
Director Jason Reitman captures the frenzied 90 minutes leading up to the very first episode of Saturday NightLive. From the minute it starts the energy is amazing… a group of fun personalities at that time unknown and untrained young comedians prepare for this questionable new show. It was competing with Johnny Carson and he even made a call to the director of the show in a menacing way. Saturday Night Live would change history and make them all stars
It’s the mid-1970s – Scenes of uproar and confusion and doubt are thrown together creating a fantastic storyline and energy. Audience sees how much it all takes to put a show together. Because in 90 minutes’ time, live, from New York, it’s Saturday Night. When SATURDAY NIGHT started it was filled with unknown, untrained young comedians who took over network television and transformed the culture. In the film we see young John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner amongst others. It’s madness backstage! Canadian Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle, The Fabelmans, TIFF ’22) desperately trying to control the chaos. It’s fascinating and the acting is brilliant.
On the eve of SNL’s 50th anniversary, it’s a real pleasure to watch how unlikely it all was at the beginning. A true miracle that the first episode took place! When watching, your heart is beating as the clock ticks down to showtime…and It’s Saturday Night… Amazing film from start to finish… whether you’re a big fan or not. -SW
The TIFF red carpet premiere for Millers in Marriage was a dazzling event, drawing fans and industry insiders alike. The film’s stars graced the carpet in elegant attire, stopping for photos and brief interviews. The director, along with the lead actors, discussed the movie’s exploration of complex relationships and the emotional depth brought to their characters.
The buzz around Millers in Marriage was palpable, as attendees were eager to see how this nuanced portrayal of marital struggles would resonate with TIFF audiences. The event added a touch of glamour to Toronto’s already bustling festival atmosphere.
The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) red carpet premiere for The Shrouds, directed by David Cronenberg, was a striking event. Taking place at the iconic Roy Thomson Hall, the star-studded evening featured appearances by lead actors Vincent Cassel and Diane Kruger, who play pivotal roles in the film’s haunting exploration of grief and mortality. Cronenberg, known for his boundary-pushing work, was greeted with enthusiastic applause as he made his way down the carpet. Fashion and film collided as the cast showcased high-fashion ensembles, while fans and photographers lined the streets, creating an electric atmosphere in anticipation of the psychological thriller’s unveiling.
That was it for Day#7 for TIFF !We’ll see you at Day#8 !
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