Robbie Williams has long been considered one of the most dynamic and multifaceted entertainers of his generation, and his newly released biopic, Better Man, serves as both homage and exploration of his storied life and career. Directed by Michael Gracey, whose previous successes include The Greatest Showman, the film dives deep, showcasing the highs and lows of Williams' remarkable path from his days with boy band Take That to his meteoric rise as a solo artist.
Centrally, Better Man takes the viewer on nostalgia-filled journeys through Williams’ early years, including his complex family dynamics, as well as his struggles with personal demons, all portrayed with vivid and often humorous storytelling. Interestingly, the film opts for the unexpected as Williams is represented throughout the entire narrative by motion-captured CGI—a choice Williams himself felt mirrored his own perception of being the metaphorical “performing monkey.”
Unfolding against this unique backdrop, the film features one of its most ambitious scenes: a jaw-dropping dance sequence filmed on London’s iconic Regent Street, set to Williams’ hit “Rock DJ.” Gracey shared during the Palm Springs International Film Festival how close this elaborate sequence—meticulously choreographed and involving over 500 dancers—came to being scrapped entirely. The complexity was compounded when the UK entered ten days of mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. “It’s the hardest dance sequence I’ve ever shot... if we didn’t make any one of those nights, we didn’t have a number because it’s all done with single camera motion, so it was very high pressure,” he detailed.
Initially, production faced the bitter blow of having already invested substantial funds, leaving them on the brink of deciding to cut what Gracey deemed “a really important number.” “A lot of the people involved were saying we just cut the number because we lost the money. I kept saying, it’s not just about the spectacle,” he insisted passionately. Fortunately, it wouldn’t be until five months later, post-Queen's funeral, before filming could resume, leading to the completion of this pivotal dance sequence.
Interestingly, Williams' influence also extended beyond his own story. Gracey recounted how Williams played a key role in rescuing The Greatest Showman from the brink of cancellation. During the lead-up to filming, Hugh Jackman raised concerns about the music, which he believed wasn't strong enough to carry the film. Fearing studio backlash, Gracey strategically reached out to Williams through mutual contacts, hoping to enlist his star power and musical expertise. “When Hugh said this, my only shot at getting this made was to get in touch with Robbie Williams,” Gracey explained.
The next day, he found himself at Williams' doorstep, recounting their initial encounter at a Hollywood party years prior. Williams, bleary-eyed yet intrigued, listened to Gracey’s pitch about the film and its music. To the director’s surprise, Williams was so compelled by the incoming music he exclaimed he'd “kill to sing” the songs from The Greatest Showman. Gracey asked if he’d be willing to record a supportive video message to Jackman. The response was enthusiastic and remarkably supportive, declaring Williams would abandon his own projects for the opportunity. This pivotal message turned the tide for Gracey and Jackman, leading to the decision to proceed with the original music.
With Better Man, audiences are treated to not just another music biopic; they experience the essence of Robbie Williams as both the entertainer and the man. The film captures his rise to fame—a tale woven with raw emotion, affecting humor, and the haunting struggle with fame’s pitfalls. The CGI portrayal, rather than detracting, allows for imaginative storytelling, especially concerning some of Williams' more controversial moments. The creative team collaborated with Weta FX artists, the same brilliant minds behind the Planet of the Apes franchise, to bring this unusual portrayal to life, ensuring it resonates closely with fans.
Reaction to the film has been largely positive, praised for its honest and complex representation of Williams’ multifaceted personality. It’s clear the movie doesn’t shy from depicting hard truths about Williams’ life, including the challenges faced during and after his time with Take That. The screenplay intertwines these elements with entertaining performances, highlighting the singer’s enduring spirit and connection with audiences.
After much anticipation, Better Man is now screening nationwide, allowing viewers to witness the exhilarating life of Robbie Williams firsthand. With its unique narrative style and deep emotional reach, the film redefines the music biopic genre, marking Williams as one of the great entertainers to be celebrated on screen.