Robbie Williams’ biopic, Better Man, takes the viewer on a surreal yet touching expedition through the life of one of the UK’s most iconic pop stars. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, the film employs the unusual choice of portraying Williams as a CGI chimpanzee, performed by actor Jonno Davies, with the real Robbie Williams providing narration.
Set to hit UK cinemas on December 26, 2023, Better Man dives deep beyond the surface narrative of typical music biopics, which often recount the rise and fall of their subjects through familiar tropes. Instead, it breaks the mold by presenting Williams’ story as more than just the typical success story marred by pitfalls of fame, temptation, and turmoil.
From the outset, the audience is introduced to young Robbie, depicted as a little chimp, showcasing not only his early struggles with self-image but also the desperate longing for his father’s approval. Peter, Robbie's father, played by Steve Pemberton, has aspirations of being the next Frank Sinatra and leaves the family to chase his dreams. This abandonment sets the tone for Robbie's future, where he finds solace and expression through music.
After his father leaves, we see Robbie's transition from childhood to his teenage years, culminating in his audition for the boy band Take That, which would launch him to fame. Williams' exuberance, combined with the energetic dynamics of the band, marks the start of his stardom—one filled with light yet shadowed by personal demons. It's this juxtaposition of success and struggle depicted through musical numbers, such as the band’s portrayal of “Rock DJ,” which adds vibrant life to the story.
Critics have noted the film's artistic choices skillfully transcend the standard biopic fare. Digital Spy’s Ian Sandwell remarks, "A fantastic (and fantastical) spin on a classic rise-and-fall biopic where the fact its subject is portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee... is one of the least remarkable aspects of it." This acknowledgment highlights how the film's essence lies not just within its audacious presentation but also its underlying emotional truth.
Williams’ personal life spirals as he copes with fame and the pressure it brings. The film reveals his descent through the glamour and chaos of showbiz, where drugs and intoxication become coping mechanisms—a reflection of the darker side of celebrity life. The visual representation of his struggles, including the imagery of being submerged underwater, serves as metaphors for his sense of drowning amid fame's relentless pressures.
One of the standout elements of Better Man is its ability to embed Williams' hits seamlessly within the narrative. Rather than merely showcasing songs to fill time, each number narratively contributes to conveying Williams' internal battles and fleeting joys. According to another unnamed critic, the film “walks a dizzying line between the stupid and the profane,” highlighting its unique ability to blend humor with emotional candor.
The film is not without its emotional heft, especially during Williams’ relationship with Nicole Appleton, played by Raechelle Banno. While their love story contains moments of joy, it is also fraught with tragedy and culminates painfully, as the film does not shy away from the darker recesses of their lives. Critics have noted effective depictions of this arc, balancing narrative and compassion, avoiding exploitative portrayals. The musical number accompanying this part of the narrative showcases the complexity of their relationship through creative choreography.
Further elevizing the movie is its visual artfulness, thanks to the expert work done by Weta FX. This innovative technology creates symbiosis between Davies’ motion-capture performance and Williams’ vocal expressions, culminating in genuine emotional moments conveyed through the 'monkey-Robbie.' Another critic notes the emotional depth visible through the chimp’s eyes, reflecting Williams’ tumultuous experience with authenticity.
While some have critiqued the film for adhering too closely to certain biopic structures, the originality inherent in its storytelling method resounds. Critics like one from Digital Spy commend it for being the most compelling music biopic seen in recent years. While traditional metrics calibrate expected aspects of biopics, Better Man aims for depth and introspection, embodying both wild humor and stark reality.
When we reach the film’s climax, Robbie stands on stage, confronting his insecurities and reconciling within himself and with his father, echoing the deep search for acceptance and closure central to humanity's experience. This encapsulates the emotional pull of the film, leaving viewers with relatable moments of conflict and tenderness.
Set for release next week, Robbie Williams' Better Man is positioned to be one of the most talked-about films of the holiday season, drawing viewers who seek both entertainment and genuine storytelling. It promises not only song but depth—making it worth catching at the cinema this Christmas.
