The new biopic 'Better Man,' which premiered on December 26, 2023, has taken the film world by storm, receiving rave reviews for its bold and inventive storytelling. This unique portrayal of pop superstar Robbie Williams, depicted as a CGI chimpanzee, offers viewers not just entertainment, but also deep introspection about fame and identity.
Directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on 'The Greatest Showman,' the film dramatizes Williams' life, showcasing his meteoric rise to fame as the heartthrob of boyband Take That, followed by the personal demons he faced throughout his career. The decision to portray Williams as a chimp captures the artist's own comparison of himself to a 'performing monkey,' expressing the pressures inherent to his role as an entertainer.
Critics have been singing praises, with many noting the groundbreaking choice to have Williams represented as an animal. "You won’t see another music biopic quite like 'Better Man,' regardless of your level of familiarity with its subject," wrote Clint Worthington for RogerEbert.com, underscoring the film's charm and originality.
With its impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the biopic stands out from its predecessors. Robbie Collin of The Telegraph remarked, "The Take That singer’s decision to tell his life story via a CGI chimpanzee may seem stupid – but it’s utterly inspired," as he celebrated the film's uniqueness.
At the film's core lies its exploration of Williams’ vulnerability. Critics praised the film's ability to balance fun, choreographed musical numbers with poignant, emotionally raw moments. The Financial Times' Danny Leigh suggested the animalistic portrayal adds unexpected depth, stating, "The animal magic is a masterstroke, giving a surreal twist to what would otherwise simply be grim." This blend of elements provides audiences with both levity and gravity, making for a compelling film experience.
Nonetheless, not all feedback has been purely glowing. While some critics view the chimpanzee representation as revolutionary, others like The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw found it less effective, expressing concern about the "distraction from his all-too-human unhappiness and talent." This critique highlights the divide among audiences and critics about what truly resonates when depicting Williams' life.
The film opens with Williams reflecting on his origins, tracking his rise from obscurity to unparalleled success as one of the UK’s biggest solo artists. Early moments recapture the joy and chaos of early fame, but the darker themes begin to bubble under the surface as the portrayal of its central character evolves.
Visually captivating, 'Better Man' invites viewers to engage with the sequences of vibrant performances and intimate revelations. One anonymous critic noted, "If you could tear your eyes away from the screen enough to check a stopwatch, not one minute goes by without a flourish,” capturing the film's kinetic energy.
The work of Jonno Davies, who performed the movements via motion capture, has also been applauded, with some arguing he delivers one of the best performances of its kind, akin to Andy Serkis's portrayal of Gollum. Critics assert the seamless integration of CGI allows for subtle emotional expression, making it relatable and engaging.
Robbie Williams himself commented on the decision-making process behind the chimpanzee portrayal, stating he believed the unique angle was necessary to revitalize the musical biopic genre. “It needed to be fresh and not the same old predictable biopic,” the artist shared during interviews promoting the film.
Despite its success, the film does end folks' journeys at 2003, neglecting the illustrious career milestones of Williams post-reunion with Take That. The film omits details such as his record-breaking 2009 tour and various standout performances, which have contributed significantly to his legacy.
Yet, the film will resonate with Williams’ fans and beyond, embodying both the charm and challenges of living under the spotlight. While it raises important questions about identity and self-worth within the pop culture machine, it serves as both tribute and critique of Williams’ extraordinary yet tumultuous career.
At its heart, 'Better Man' embodies the traits of great cinema, mixing humor, creativity, and reflection on life's vulnerabilities. It has certainly left its mark, captivating audiences and critics alike with its audacious storytelling and unforgettable visuals.
