Robbie Williams is set to capture the hearts of audiences once more with the release of his biopic, Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey. This unique film explores Williams' complicated life as he is portrayed by none other than a CGI chimp. It's not only creatively bold but also introduces viewers to the multifaceted nature of fame, shedding light on the emotional struggles behind the glitz and glamor.
Gracey, who previously directed The Greatest Showman, reveals how influential Williams has been not just to him but to the entire film industry. His ability to narrate his own life story spurred Gracey’s fascination and was pivotal in shaping Better Man. The film will premiere on December 25, 2024, and is expected to open nationwide on January 17, 2025.
What sets Better Man apart from traditional biopics is its artistic choice to depict Williams as a CGI ape. This decision reflects Williams’s struggle with feelings of immaturity and his inability to emotionally evolve since rising to fame at the tender age of 15. Michael Gracey contextualizes the choice, stating, "Rob has the art of storytelling in spades, and I couldn’t believe he remembered so many details about his life fueled by drugs and alcohol." The film's unique twist allows for a fresh narrative voice, showcasing the difficult realities of Williams’ success through humor and poignant reflections.
The narrative arc of Better Man closely follows the familiar U-shaped structure of music biopics: humble beginnings, rise to stardom, subsequent struggles with fame, and eventual redemption. Yet, the film's representation of Williams as a chimp provides both comic relief and serves as an insightful metaphor about the bewildering experience of celebrity life. Viewers can expect not only catchy tunes but also deep dives around the themes of envy, addiction, and self-identity.
Faced with doubts about The Greatest Showman during its production, director Michael Gracey once turned to Robbie Williams for support. "He literally said he’d been working on an album, and he would ditch it to sing these songs — that's how good these songs were," Gracey recounts. Williams's exuberance helped save the musical from being scrapped, fostering the relationship between the two. This camaraderie was not only beneficial for their past projects but also led to the conception of Better Man.
Through his conversations with Williams, Gracey recorded more than 18 hours of interviews, all of which guided the development of the biopic. These candid exchanges reveal not only Williams's highs but also the deep lows of his career, entangled with complications from substance abuse and personal conflicts. The voiceover work from Williams as the CGI chimp channels his thoughts and provides emotional commentary, making the viewing experience both relatable and reflective.
The film depicts Williams not just as a world-renowned pop star but simplifies the experience, echoing the common human feelings of insecurity and fatigue. It paints him as someone who, amid all the fame and accolades, remains 'emotionally stuck at 15.' This premise appeals to those who resonate with Williams's story and seeks to challenge society's perception of celebrity life.
Critics are already drawing parallels between this biopic and Gracey's former success with The Greatest Showman. Both films share underlying themes of self-exploration and vulnerable narratives masked by elaborateness. Reviews suggest Better Man will appeal to Williams' fanbase as well as those who appreciate innovative storytelling techniques, especially with its unconventional representation.
Overall, the advent of Better Man showcases the duality of celebrity life through engaging storytelling. The film touches on social themes relevant to many individuals, embedding lessons about personal growth amid fame's attractions. For those anticipating the release, it promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
With high hopes riding on this biopic, audiences can expect to engage with the complex layers surrounding Robbie Williams' life when Better Man opens nationwide on January 17, 2025. Michael Gracey’s skillful direction could very well offer viewers not only pleasure but also greater insight on what it truly means to contend with notoriety.
