'Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am' A Review

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am is a documentary about the life and career of Toni Morrison as related predominately by the author herself. The film is compromised mostly of present-day talking-head interviews as well as some archival footage, the most compelling are both present and past interviews where Morrison talks about her life, writing process, inspiration, and novels.

Although not particularly cinematic the film offers pointed and moving access to one of America's greatest novelists. Morrison's language, empathy, and strength come across with unwavering clarity and if you have not read her before the film will certainly cause you to go pick up one of her books. There are moments when some of the others interviewed sanctify Morrison in a way that is a bit incongruous given how much Morrison herself is featured in the documentary but that is ultimately nominal.

A delightfully extensive if formulaic portrait of a titan of American letters, wonderful excess for fans and a great introduction for strangers.

See It.