Robbie Williams, the beloved British pop star, is taking the Oscar controversy surrounding his song "Forbidden Road" from the biopic Better Man with surprising grace. Williams' track was unexpectedly pulled from the original song shortlist by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), but at the Golden Globes, where the song was nominated, he expressed his acceptance of the ruling.
"Listen, the rules is the rules and you have to go by them. It would have been nice, but as an introvert, it’s another party I don’t have to go to," Williams told Deadline. This disqualification came after it was determined the song bore similarities to "I Got A Name," written by AMPAS Board of Governor Charles Fox and Normal Gimbel for the classic film The Last American Hero from 1973. Despite the initial inclusion of "Forbidden Road" on the shortlist, AMPAS decided against backfilling it with another song.
Prior to its disqualification, Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey—who also directed The Greatest Showman—had already been generating buzz among audiences and critics alike. The movie explores the tumultuous life of its star, chronicling his meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and subsequent resurgence. With critics rating it at 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and audiences giving it an impressive score of 97%, Better Man is proving to be one of the most talked-about films this awards season. It is currently showing in limited release and will go wide on January 17.
The portrayal of Williams as he navigated the ups and downs of fame is not just poignant but also visually arresting. The director explained this unique creative choice by stating, "The idea came from interviews I conducted with the singer when Williams said he often felt like a performing monkey throughout his life," as reported by The Independent. This metaphorical representation adds depth to the film, echoing Williams' own reflections on his experiences.
With Better Man set to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers, anticipation is building not just for its revengeably moving storytelling but also for its technical aspects, as it remains shortlisted for the Best Visual Effects category. The film's visuals include the whimsical yet poignant representation of Williams as a chimpanzee, which is part of the broader narrative design intended to convey his complex relationship with fame.
Fans of Robbie Williams can take solace as Better Man dives deep beyond the surface of stardom, providing insights rarely seen elsewhere. While the dismissal of his song from the Oscar shortlist may be disappointing, it hasn't overshadowed the film's overall impact or its reception. The film is continuing to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide, all the more affirming Williams' lasting legacy as both an artist and as person engaged with the pressures of performance.
So, as the awards season continues to roll on, Williams’ reflections and performances provide more than entertainment—they present a narrative of resilience and humor amid the scrutiny of fame and the expectations of others. Better Man is not just another biopic; it is the manifestation of one man's life story packaged with relatability and raw emotion, which might just leave viewers wondering if they also feel akin to performing monkeys of their own, living lives under the gazes of others.
With much excitement still surrounding the film, it stands to clarify the line between show business and personal identity, rendering it relevant for many viewers today. Stay tuned for more updates and news about the forthcoming wide release of Better Man and Robbie Williams' continued contributions to the music and film industries.