Robbie Williams' life, punctuated by soaring successes and tumultuous challenges, takes center stage in his much-anticipated biopic, Better Man, which was released on December 26, 2024. The film chronicles Williams' extraordinary career, beginning with his rise to fame as part of the iconic boy band Take That to his subsequent adventures as a solo artist.
Williams' candid revelations shed light on his struggles with addiction, which played a pivotal role in his decision to leave Take That back in 1995. During his Netflix documentary released last year, he openly confessed, "I was ingesting everything I could get my hands on: cocaine, drinking... I [was] literally drinking a bottle of vodka a night before going to rehearsals," illustrating the depth of his issues at the time. This lifestyle led to confrontations with his bandmates, where he was told his behavior was unacceptable for someone representing the group.
At one particularly significant meeting, Williams expressed his desire to step away from the band, which led to his departure and left fans heartbroken. "The sense was palpable... I just couldn't be there anymore," he recalled, reflecting on those moments. He later reunited with Take That for various projects, but his solo career began with the release of the cover of George Michael's iconic song, "Freedom."
Interviews with his former bandmates reveal they wished they had communicated more openly about their feelings, which may have helped prevent his departure. Howard Donald noted, "To have someone close to you to speak to about your feelings... that's one of the things we never did in the 90s, hence why Robbie left." This underlines how the pressures of fame and the music industry can isolate individuals and strain relationships.
Williams also opened up about his relationship with Nicole Appleton during the film, illustrating the various pressures they faced as young stars. Although they were engaged by 1998, their relationship was intensely affected by the scrutiny of the media and their respective careers, leading to their breakup two years later. Nicole Appleton's termination of her pregnancy during their time together, driven by pressures from the record industry, added another layer of complexity to their romance.
“Robbie and Nicole met at a recording studio, and their love story lasted until 2000,” explained reports. “The breakup was not only due to competing careers but also his struggles with addiction.” This candid exploration of their relationship gives depth to the discussion of how fame impacts personal lives.
Despite these earlier struggles, Williams has reinvented himself, becoming one of the UK's most beloved solo artists with hits such as "Angels" and "Let Me Entertain You." The film Better Man features many of these iconic songs and includes new original music. One notable track, “Forbidden Road,” has already made waves, climbing to number 20 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart.
Since its premiere at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival and subsequent positive reception at various film festivals, Better Man has garnered numerous nominations for significant awards, including the Golden Globes. Critics have heaped praise on the film, calling it “a visual feast for the eyes” and praising director Michael Gracey's ability to balance the music, choreography, and emotional core of the performances. These accolades not only celebrate Williams' contributions to music but also chronicle his remarkable resilience.
Robbie Williams' story is one of triumph over adversity, interspersed with moments of vulnerability and personal growth. “For me just as an individual, it's really, really important for me to get to tell my story,” he stated during the film's launch, emphasizing the need for authenticity amid public scrutiny. His dedication to sharing his experiences invites audiences to reflect on the human side of stardom.
With Better Man currently showing in cinemas, audiences are encouraged to witness firsthand the remarkable tale of Robbie Williams, celebrating his colorful career and the importance of perseverance through life's challenges.
