With the arrival of the new biopic Better Man, audiences can experience the tumultuous life of U.K. pop sensation Robbie Williams through an intriguing lens—his character is portrayed not by a human actor, but as a CGI chimpanzee. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, this bold artistic choice serves to shed light on the surreal nature of fame and the personal demons Williams has faced throughout his career.
Slated for release on December 25, 2024, with national distribution beginning on January 10, 2025, Better Man treats viewers to a captivating look at Williams, who rose to fame as part of the boy band Take That, only to navigate the chaotic waters of pop stardom as a solo artist. "The film seeks to tell the story I am always chasing: the pursuit of an impossible dream,” explained Gracey, highlighting the project's ambitious intentions.
Despite the unconventional choice of depicting Williams as a chimp, the film resonates with genuine emotional weight. Williams himself commented on this decision, noting, "There is a surrender to the machinery of the industry... I chose to be a monkey," implying the absurdity and self-deprecatory nature of fame. This choice creates both intrigue and confusion for audiences unfamiliar with Williams’s history, but it also invites them to engage with the core themes of psychological complexity and the superficiality of pop culture.
From his working-class background growing up in Stoke-on-Trent to his meteoric rise with Take That—a group initially slogging through the music industry to eventual chart domination—Williams's story is one familiar to many rock and pop fans. But as Better Man delineates, the path to fame is riddled with obstacles, including drug addiction, depression, and personal turmoil. Williams's tumultuous exit from Take That and subsequent launch of his solo career is both harrowing and enlightening. With Gracey's thrilling direction, Williams's complex narrative leaps off the screen, complete with energetic musical sequences blended seamlessly with moments of stark realism.
The film also revisits some of Williams's biggest hits, integrating them as meaningful reflections of his life experiences. Using CGI-enhanced choreography, there are several highlights, including spectacular dance scenes filmed against the backdrop of London’s Regent Street. Such vibrant visuals play against the darker themes of the pop star's life, especially when his on-stage triumphs are contrasted with his battles off stage.
Supporting performances bolster the narrative depth, including Steve Pemberton as Williams's complex father and Raechelle Banno as his love interest during pivotal moments of his career. Rather than gloss over the difficult aspects of his relationships—indicative of Williams’s authenticity—the film unveils the toll his personal issues took on those closest to him.
Critics note the film’s ability to reflect Williams's candidness about the darker elements of his past. Alex Kadis, music consultant, notes, "The managers were very competitive... which made the bands and fanbases competitive." Through its narrative, Better Man becomes more than just another biopic; it explores the emotional fallout from the industry's high-pressure demands and the toll it takes on artists.
Yet, amid the chaos, Better Man is also framed as a redemption story. With moments of vulnerability woven throughout, the film concludes with Williams finding peace within himself, albeit through the fantastical framework of being portrayed as a CGI primate. This surreal twist, whether embraced or debated by viewers, embodies the irony of the pop star's existence—balancing staggering success with crippling self-doubt.
By interspersing exhilarating performances with haunting revelations, Better Man captivates audiences and invites them to reflect on the multifaceted nature of fame. Robbie Williams's legacy may not be as widely recognized outside the U.K., but with this unique biopic, many viewers are likely to discover the depth and complexity of his music and his life. With the story wrapping viewers' hearts around its titular character, Better Man emerges as not just another musical tale but rather as something much more poignant and introspective.
With its sophisticated blend of whimsy, pathos, and stunning visual flair, the film promises not only to entertain but also to provoke thought about the nature of stardom. Whether conscious or subconscious, Williams's portrayal as a chimp emerges as emblematic of the battle artists face—not only to entertain but to remain grounded amid the pandemonium of fame. Better Man is bound to serve up yet another chapter of Robbie Williams's illustrious but conflicted career, inviting audiences to join him on this wild ride.
