Robbie Williams' eagerly anticipated biopic, Better Man, set for release on Boxing Day, showcases the tumultuous life of one of Britain's most celebrated entertainers. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, the film offers viewers an intimate look at Williams' rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and the complex personal relationships he navigated throughout his career.
The film concludes around 2003, just as Williams reached the pinnacle of his solo success with three sold-out shows at Knebworth, yet fails to cover the remarkable achievements he's had since then. Despite ending the narrative at this pivotal moment, the biopic leaves audiences yearning for more, particularly about the following two decades of Williams' life.
Since Better Man covers his milestone achievements only up to 2003, fans and critics can only speculate whether there will be future installments highlighting his continued success, which includes the release of seven more solo albums and various collaborations.
The past twenty years have seen Williams launch successful albums like Intensive Care (2005), Rudebox (2006), and The Heavy Entertainment Show (2016), among others, solidifying his status as one of the top-selling British artists globally. Notably, his loyal fans have remained unwavering, as evidenced by his upcoming tour announced for 2025, which promises to be another major event.
While Williams initially grappled with interpersonal conflicts during his time with Take That, he later reconciled with his former bandmates, particularly Gary Barlow. Reflecting on their renewed relationship, Williams described Barlow as one of the best songwriters, emphasizing their camaraderie and mutual respect.
Williams has come to cherish family life, marrying US actress Ayda Field and having four children together. Their relationship blossomed after they first met during the filming of a BBC documentary on the paranormal. Williams' evolution as husband and father is evident, with Field openly expressing pride over his work on Better Man. She described it as honest and raw, emphasizing the depth of the story, which Williams calls "an abusical."
On the front of mental health, Williams has become increasingly candid about his struggles. He emphasized the importance of addressing mental health openly, highlighting the previously pervasive stigma surrounding these issues. He reflected on his past, saying, "We were in the dark ages, when it came to talking, thinking, representing mental health as a problem. Now we’re not." Field has also been supportive, ensuring age-appropriate conversations with their children about their father's past, which includes battles with addiction.
Outside the spotlight of his music career, Williams has ventured beyond the stage. He appeared as a coach on The X Factor, voiced a character for The Magic Roundabout, and even started his football team known as Los Angeles Vale FC. His dedication to philanthropy is notable as well; he created Soccer Aid for UNICEF, which features both celebrities and professional athletes playing on the same pitch for charity.
On the awards front, Williams boasts numerous accolades, such as Ivor Novello awards and 18 Brit Awards to name just a few. The film does not cover his post-2003 achievements such as significant accolades, including winning the British male solo artist of the year at the Brit Awards. Williams' ambition for future endeavors remains strong—having stated he still aspires to be among the biggest artists worldwide.
The storytelling technique employed in Better Man has caught audiences by surprise, particularly how Williams is portrayed by Jonno Davies through motion capture and CGI, resulting in him being represented as a CGI monkey. Gracey chose this unique representation as Williams often likened himself to one—"a performing monkey"—and after discussions, felt this approach added emotional depth to his portrayal.
The creative risk involved has prompted considerable interest, leading to anticipation about how audiences will react to this unconventional storytelling choice. Williams remarked, "I think they’re more human than humans," emphasizing vulnerability as central to the portrayal.
While Better Man intends to resonate with established fans, early reception, particularly from U.S. audiences, has been mixed. Despite expectations of broader appeal, some American viewers are confused by Williams’ persona as they are relatively unfamiliar with his legacy.
Williams himself has navigated attempts to establish his musical career Stateside, first attempting to carve out his place with Capitol Records over twenty years ago. But his cheeky British humor often didn’t translate well across the Atlantic, leading to missed opportunities. Reflecting on those attempts, he shared, "They had zero knowledge of who I was and it was deeply uncomfortable." Yet Williams’ refusal to give up has seen him shift his focus to the UK, where he remains immensely popular.
Despite past failures, Williams’ artistic career continues to flourish. With Better Man promising to shed light on his fierce drive for success, renewed efforts, and his fight against personal demons, Williams shows no signs of slowing down. With the film’s premiere only days away, anticipation grows about how the public will receive this unvarnished look at his life and career.
With Better Man released on December 26 and across the U.S. shortly thereafter, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness the enigma of Robbie Williams—both the highs and lows, successes and struggles—unfold on the big screen.