Robbie Williams is back in the spotlight, but this time it’s not just about the music. The iconic British pop superstar is promoting his upcoming biopic, Better Man, which tells the fascinating story of his rise, fall, and resurgence within the music industry. The film is directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, and features unique storytelling elements, including Williams being portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee. This unconventional representation is intended to add depth to his narrative and reflect Williams' own humorous self-perception.
The biopic, slated to open select theaters on December 25 and broaden its release on January 10, 2024, has already stirred significant buzz across Europe, with Williams himself participating actively in promotion events. Throughout these appearances, the artist not only engages with fans but also performs on stage, highlighting his continued relevance and talent.
Across various premieres—from Paris to Cologne, and London to Australia—Williams made headlines not just for the content of the film but also for his stylish appearances, donning designer attire by Dolce & Gabbana and Emporio Armani. The visually distinctive aspect of Better Man cannot be overstated; it has caused quite the stir within the film industry, with many curious about the unusual creative direction. Promoting the film, Williams humorously referenced his own self-deprecative nature, mentioning how he often describes himself as akin to 'a performing monkey.'
Jonno Davies steps up to play the pop icon, bringing Williams' character to life through performance capture technology. He embodies the essence of the star, allowing audiences to glimpse not only the glamorous life of Robbie Williams but also the emotional struggles he faced as fame swept him up and later threatened to drown him. During interviews, Davies has teased viewers about the honesty and vulnerability present throughout the film, stating they will likely discover layers to Williams' story not previously revealed.
The narrative of Better Man traverses key moments from Williams' childhood and early career with the boy band Take That, up to his phenomenal success as a solo artist. The film captures both the euphoric highs of his career and the painful lows, imbuing it with authenticity. Williams offers his voice for the singing sequences, intertwining his musical legacy with the film’s narrative. The film's title pulls inspiration from one of his beloved singles off his 2000 album, Sing When You’re Winning.
Viewers can expect musical numbers to be intricately woven throughout the film, delivered with creative flair and emotional nuance. Williams has assured fans and newcomers alike of the biopic’s quality, admitting, “I want to, and choose to try and represent myself in the most authentic way possible.” His frankness extends to acknowledging how previous works, including his Netflix documentary, received emotional responses, illustrating the healing aspect of sharing his story.
Among the film's highlights is the lead single, “Forbidden Road,” co-written by Williams and nominated for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes. The soundtrack, consisting of reimagined classic hits from Williams’ discography, will be available digitally on December 27 and will see its physical release on January 17.
Critical response has already begun to roll in, with early reviews praising Better Man for its boldness and unique storytelling. Critics have shared their astonishment at the successful integration of visual effects and emotional storytelling, with many stating it takes the traditional biopic format to new heights. Some reviews have quickly compared it to other successful musical biopics like Rocketman, particularly for its willingness to explore raw, unfiltered moments from the subject’s life.
Williams himself has embraced the film's quirky narrative element, claiming its absurdity resonates with his experience and humor. "Being depicted as a chimpanzee was never about gimmicks; it’s more about reimagining my life through my own lens," he articulated. Viewers can anticipate the film to blend lightheartedness with sincere moments of reflection, echoing the dynamic nature of Williams' real-life story.
Fans and newcomers alike are excited for what Better Man will reveal about Robbie Williams. The film promises to be more than just another biopic; it aims to show the complexity of fame and the struggles of personal identity—elements intertwined with the entertainment world’s bright lights and dark shadows.
With its unique conceptual design and celebrity allure, Better Man is shaping up to be one of the must-see films this holiday season, capturing the essence of Robbie Williams as both the pop star and the man behind the hits. For those who have grown up with his music, the film offers not just nostalgia but also insight, showcasing the human side of fame. Get ready to watch as this musical tale, tinged with whimsy and earnest emotion, unravels the life of one of pop music’s greatest entertainers.
