Robbie Williams’ biopic ‘Better Man,’ directed by Michael Gracey and set for release on January 2, 2025, creatively portrays the pop star’s life through the lens of a CGI chimpanzee. The film chronicles his journey from Stoke-on-Trent to global fame, exploring his struggles with addiction and self-doubt, alongside heartfelt relationships. With vibrant musical numbers featuring Williams’ hits, it offers a unique and emotional narrative that embraces his vulnerabilities, providing a profound reflection on his inner battles.
Robbie Williams, the iconic pop star, has long used metaphors to articulate his struggles, and his 2002 song ‘Me and My Monkey’ was no exception. Now, as he steps into the spotlight once more, Williams is portrayed in an extraordinary manner in the upcoming biopic ‘Better Man’, set to hit theaters on January 2, 2025. Directed by Michael Gracey, this musical film recounts the life of Williams through a unique lens—specifically, a chimpanzee.
‘Better Man’ chronicles the evolution of Robbie Williams over a span of thirty years, blending humor and music to narrate his journey from humble beginnings in Stoke-on-Trent to international stardom with Take That and his solo career. Young Robbie is played by Jonno Davis, whose performance is brought to life through motion capture technology, while Williams himself lends his voice to the character.
The film paints Williams as a lovable yet flawed character, whose infectious joy is often taken advantage of, leading him down a troubling path of addiction and self-doubt. The emotional narrative is enriched by his relationship with his grandmother, Betty (Alison Steadman), and his complex bond with his self-absorbed father, Peter (Steve Pemberton).
Robbie Williams as a Chimpanzee: A Creative Twist or a Meaningful Narrative Technique?
The creative choice to depict Robbie Williams as a CGI chimpanzee is both daring and unconventional. At first glance, it might seem like a peculiar twist, reminiscent of a mash-up between ‘Rocketman’ and ‘Planet of the Apes’. However, this portrayal serves as a profound reflection of Williams’ own feelings of being a ‘performing monkey’, adding significant depth to the narrative. Surprisingly, the concept resonates well with audiences, allowing for a unique empathy toward Williams’ internal conflicts that may not have been as impactful with a human character.
Musical enthusiasts will also find joy in ‘Better Man’, as the film incorporates many of Williams’ beloved hits, transforming them into vibrant musical numbers. Gracey’s direction offers a theatrical flair reminiscent of his previous work in ‘The Greatest Showman’, but he avoids veering into the realm of cheesiness. Standout performances include ‘Come Undone’, a poignant reflection of Williams’ struggles, ‘Angels’, a heartfelt anthem, and ‘She’s The One’, which exudes a light-hearted Hollywood vibe. However, the showstopper is undoubtedly the sequence featuring ‘Rock DJ’, showcasing Williams’ ability to connect with his audience through music that articulates his deepest emotions.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, ‘Better Man’ presents a daring and innovative take on the biopic genre, challenging conventional storytelling methods. Viewers who can embrace the unconventional choice of a CGI chimpanzee as the protagonist are likely to experience a deeply emotional narrative. The touching scenes between Williams and his grandmother are particularly poignant.
While many biopics tend to glamorize their subjects, ‘Better Man’ embraces Williams’ vulnerabilities, depicting him with a level of honesty that is truly striking. We witness his imperfections as a friend, son, partner, and colleague, painting a complete picture of a multifaceted individual.
‘Better Man’ transcends the mere recounting of a pop icon’s journey; it is a profound exploration of a man’s battle with his inner demons, skillfully avoiding clichéd narratives of childhood trauma or substance abuse.
Pro tip: Prepare some tissues—this film is bound to tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a lasting emotional impact.