Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

About Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

"Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am" is an intimate and powerful biographical documentary released in 2019. Directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, this film offers an artful and intimate meditation on the legendary storyteller Toni Morrison. The movie eloquently presents Morrison's journey and how her words and literature have shaped the American literary landscape. The documentary incorporates interviews, archival footage, and animated segments to vividly illustrate her narrative.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, a long-time friend of Morrison, which allowed for a deeper and more personal portrayal of the novelist. The film's executive producers include Kathy Cho, Michael Kantor, and Sandra Guzman. The production companies involved are Perfect Day Films and American Masters Pictures.

Actors

• Oprah Winfrey as Herself - The television icon appears in the documentary discussing her relationship with Morrison and her impact on her life.
• Angela Davis as Herself - The political activist reflects on her interactions with the author and the influence of her writings.
• Toni Morrison as Herself - The film features Morrison offering insights into her life, work, and the themes she has explored in her books.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
• This documentary marks one of the last recorded comprehensive interviews with Toni Morrison before her demise in August 2019.
• The title of the film, "The Pieces I Am," is inspired by one of Morrison’s novels, "Song of Solomon."

Awards

The documentary was critically acclaimed, though it didn't win any awards; it was acknowledged for its comprehensive representation of the life and work of one of America's most influential literary figures.

Quotes

• “We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.” - Toni Morrison
• "If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it." - Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon

Music, Soundtrack

• The documentary features a rich and evocative score composed by Kathryn Bostic.
• The musical backdrop provided a thoughtful and emotional ground for the heavyweight dialogue and introspective narratives of the film.