Better Man, the highly anticipated musical biopic of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, hit theaters on December 25, 2024. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, the film takes the unconventional approach of depicting Williams as a CGI monkey to tell his life story.
Emphasizing the themes of self-deprecation and resilience, Better Man offers audiences insight not only about Williams’ career—from his early days as part of the boy band Take That to his emergence as one of the world’s most recognized solo artists—but also the tumultuous personal struggles he faced throughout his rise to fame.
Williams is portrayed through the lens of humor and raw honesty. “Robbie would say things like, ‘I’m up the back dancing like a monkey,’ and eventually, I thought, wouldn’t it be amazing to represent Robbie as a monkey?” director Gracey recalls. This whimsical concept turned the traditional biopic format on its head, allowing for both comedic and poignant elements to shine through.
At the center of the story is Jonno Davies, who plays Williams during his youthful years. Describing his role as demanding and liberative, Davies states, “I am the lead. I am Rob. Rob is me. Just with a monkey layering on top.” To craft such a multilayered character, Davies worked closely with motion capture technology, resulting in what critics have hailed as both inspired and inventive. Throughout the film, audience members see Williams grappling with the pressures of being thrust under the spotlight, demonstrating both the high-flying glamor and the pitfalls of fame.
The film captures the difficulties and excesses associated with rock stardom, including Williams' well-documented battles with addiction, which he describes as “an actual representation of the hellish...journey.” Williams openly addresses his past struggles and hopes the film serves as both entertainment and cautionary tale for up-and-coming artists, asserting the movie is “not glamorous” and highlights the real dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
For Williams, the emotional stakes of Better Man are significant on multiple levels. “I’m so emotionally invested in this film’s success it scares me,” he reveals candidly. “I’m f...ing grateful” for the positive responses the film has received, and he hopes it raises awareness about mental health issues faced by artists under the pressures of fame.
Better Man's release coincides with Williams preparing for his massive New Year’s Eve performance at the Sydney Opera House. The artist reflects on his current phase of life, expressing, “I am in the best mental shape of my life.” His emotional evolution correlates with developments both personally and professionally, especially with the warm reception of his latest cinematic endeavor.
Interestingly, Williams humorously rants about the current music industry, saying, “It’s so niche... the luck of the algorithm.” He explains how algorithms shape the music market today, highlighting how it forces artists to cater to specific audience segments, leading to many feeling sidelined. “My algorithm thinks I’m a menopausal gay Republican,” he laughs, illustrating the absurdity of social media’s targeted advertising.
The musical aspect of Better Man does not take a backseat; it features hits from Williams’ extensive catalog. Critics highlight how the songs enrich the storytelling, according to reports from RogerEbert.com, which noted the balance between the “catchy” pop tunes and the film’s darker themes.
Despite initial skepticism, the unconventional choice to portray Williams as a simian has garnered praise. Critics suggest this hybrid approach offers viewers charm and vulnerability, allowing the pop star to share his lows candidly, helping the film transcend typical biopic clichés.
Since its release, Better Man has quickly become one of the most discussed films of the year, generating considerable buzz for its innovative storytelling and groundbreaking CGI integration. Williams, who boasts 14 U.K. No. 1 albums and 18 BRIT Awards, proves yet again his ability to reinvent not only his artistry but also the way we perceive music-focused cinema.
Fans eagerly await more from Williams following Better Man, which doesn’t merely recount his story but aims to inspire discussions about the music industry's responsibility toward its young talents.
With audiences flocking to theaters, Better Man serves as a comment on modern fame, mental health's impact, and the surreal experiences artists endure—all under the playful guise of animation. The film’s unique vision invites viewers to reflect on what it means to be both celebrated and vulnerable.
Better Man is now screening across cinemas worldwide, and its soundtrack is available on all major streaming platforms, ensuring Williams’ musical legacy continues to resonate widely across generations.
