Robbie Williams, the iconic British pop star, is set to enchant audiences this holiday season with his unconventional biopic entitled Better Man, premiering on December 25, 2023. Directed by Michael Gracey, who is best known for his work on The Greatest Showman, the film takes an audacious turn by depicting Williams not as himself but through the lens of another species entirely—an animated CGI monkey.
Why choose such a peculiar representation? According to Williams, who describes himself as having been "a cheeky monkey all my life," the decision stems from his perception of fame and performance. During discussions with the Associated Press, he elaborated, "What’s more cheeky than a cheeky monkey? There’s no more cheekier monkey than the coke-snorting, sex-addict monkey we find in the movie." This innovative approach not only provides levity but also allows audiences to connect with his human experiences more empathetically, bypassing preconceived notions about his celebrity.
Gracey, after spending significant time interviewing Williams, felt there was "a more creative way of entering this story" than through traditional biopic narratives. He explained, "If I hadn’t been able to crack the idea, I wouldn’t have made the film." The concept originated as he noted Williams' frequent self-description as performing "like a monkey." This realization culminated in the central idea of depicting Williams' life through the engaging and sometimes comical prism of animal representation.
The film chronicles Williams’ tumultuous rise to fame, starting as part of the boy band Take That and moving through his subsequent solo career, where he gained enormous popularity bolstered by hits like "Let Me Entertain You." Yet, it also delves deeply and critically, exploring his struggles with fame, addiction, and the often toxic nature of celebrity culture. The rawness of the story captures moments of significant emotional weight—where Williams battles the various versions of himself, quite literally depicted as different monkey avatars throughout key moments of his life.
One scene highlights Williams' record-breaking concert at Knebworth, where he grapples with his past performances. Another significant moment involves filming set pieces on London’s Regent Street, which showcases not just his talent but the challenges posed by external pressures and expectations. Such scenes have been described as stylistically inventive yet deeply relatable, reflecting the duality of his experiences—joy juxtaposed with despair.
Williams provides the singing voice for his animated counterpart, but much of the charm also relies on Jonno Davies, who delivers Williams' physical presence through motion capture. Critics have pointed out the effectiveness of the CGI, emphasizing how seamlessly it integrates with the narrative and how it drives emotional engagement without feeling gimmicky. One review states, "it’s so much more than just seeing a CGI monkey; it’s about the authenticity of emotions captured through this unique storytelling approach."
Arguably, the film's vulnerability allows for significant relatability, encouraging audiences to engage with Williams’ tumultuous life story authentically. The struggles with self-worth, addiction, and the longing for approval are common themes, allowing viewers to draw parallels with their own experiences. Gracey notes, "The film is full of joy but also the opposite; where some stars would seek to shy away from darker aspects, Williams does not," bringing forth the idea of embracing one's darkness as part of the path toward joy and acceptance.
Despite the potential for skepticism surrounding such unconventional creative choices, Better Man has not only generated interest but has earned early praise from critics. With five-star ratings from multiple outlets, the film has been described as both disarmingly vulnerable and wildly inventive, exceeding initial expectations. "This is not just another music biopic; it challenges the norms of storytelling with its creative premise and emotional depth," remarked one enthusiastic reviewer.
The film culminates with reflections on fame's impact, and Conversations about the toxic pressures associated with being constantly under scrutiny resonate strongly today, especially among younger generations. Looks at the results of fame—how it shapes identities and how one copes with the public's expectations—serve as cautionary tales and discussions of broader societal issues.
With the alleged backdrop of hard lessons and celebration, Better Man is set to resonate with viewers patiently waiting to see how the artistic vision bridges the gap between the outrageous and the relatable. By the time credits roll, audiences may very well find themselves contemplating Williams’ discography anew, with greater appreciation for the artistry and emotional resilience behind it. This Christmas, perhaps it’s time to embrace the cheeky monkey within us all, as we reflect on our own journeys of struggle and redemption.
Mark your calendars for December 25, when the unlikely tale of Robbie Williams as told through the lens of animation hits theaters. The buzz is palpable, and with it, the hope stays alive for new beginnings and heartfelt storytelling.
