Robbie Williams’ much-anticipated biopic, Better Man, is set to take audiences on a surreal yet deeply emotional journey through his life, as revealed by the new trailer released on October 2, 2024. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, the film offers an innovative take on the life of the British pop superstar, portraying him through a unique lens—Williams appears as a CGI monkey, brought to life through motion-capture by actor Jonno Davies. This unusual narrative device stems from Williams’ own feelings of being a “performing monkey” throughout his career, a metaphor that permeates the film, from his childhood days to his time with Take That and his subsequent solo success.
The Heart of Better Man
The trailer introduces viewers to Williams’ life story, which is marked by extraordinary highs and crushing lows. Starting from his days as the youngest member of Take That, one of the most successful boy bands in the UK, to his rise as a solo artist with 13 number-one albums, the film explores the pressures of stardom. Despite Williams’ fame and achievements, including seven number-one singles and breaking records with his solo albums, Better Man delves into the darker side of his life. The trailer hints at his struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and personal battles, bringing forth the emotional toll that global fame took on the entertainer.
A New Kind of Biopic
What sets Better Man apart from other biopics is its unconventional storytelling approach. Rather than a straightforward portrayal of his life, Gracey uses CGI and motion capture to depict Williams as a monkey—a metaphor that symbolizes his constant feeling of performing for others. Gracey’s vision is to evoke empathy for this animated character, making the audience invest emotionally in Williams’ journey, both as an artist and a human being. The film is designed to capture Williams’ “signature wit and indomitable spirit,” intertwining moments of humor with heartfelt vulnerability.
A Stellar Cast and Production
The trailer also showcases a strong supporting cast, including Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, and Alison Steadman. In addition to Jonno Davies’ performance as the monkey version of Williams, Robbie himself narrates the film and lends his voice to the musical performances. This personal involvement ensures that the film stays true to his experiences and perspective, creating a closer connection between the artist and the audience.
Gracey’s direction brings a creative flair to the project, blending his expertise from The Greatest Showman with an imaginative narrative style. This is his first feature film since the 2021 Pink documentary, P!nk: All I Know So Far, making Better Man a highly anticipated return to the big screen.
A Journey of Success and Struggle
Better Man will explore the key moments of Williams’ career, starting from his early days in Stoke-on-Trent, where he was constantly performing to gain approval from peers and family. It traces his rise to fame with Take That, a group that dominated the UK charts in the 1990s, achieving 12 number-one singles. The film delves into his decision to leave the band at the peak of their success in 1995, which marked the beginning of his solo career.
Williams’ solo ventures brought him unparalleled success, with hits like “Angels” and “Let Me Entertain You” propelling him to international stardom. However, along with his meteoric rise came personal struggles. Better Man does not shy away from portraying Williams’ battles with addiction, obesity, and depression, offering a raw and honest look at the man behind the music. The trailer teases emotional moments that explore his inner turmoil, showcasing the human side of the pop star often hidden behind his public persona.
Release and Reception
Better Man is set for a limited theatrical release on December 25, 2024, before expanding nationwide on January 17, 2025. The film has already sparked significant interest, particularly after its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in August 2024, where it garnered attention for its creative storytelling and bold visuals.
For fans of Robbie Williams, the biopic promises to be a nostalgic yet revealing look into the life of one of the UK’s biggest musical icons. For others, Better Man offers an intriguing and artistic exploration of fame, identity, and the personal costs of being in the spotlight.
In conclusion, Better Man is shaping up to be a must-watch film, not just for Robbie Williams fans, but for anyone interested in a unique, emotionally charged cinematic experience. The film’s blend of humor, heartache, and innovative storytelling ensures that it will resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impression.
This holiday season, prepare to embark on a journey through the life of Robbie Williams, where the line between entertainment and emotional depth blurs in a way that only Better Man can deliver.
Dwayne Paschke specializes in writing, management, development, design and Search Engine Optimization. Although he has worked for 8 years in the industry, he never found an ideal person to work with as a partner. Later, he found Sebastian Pearson, and they both found specific understanding between them. Both of them divided their tasks in this project and are running this venture successfully.