Who is Robbie Williams?
For many Americans, Robbie Williams might seem like a name whispered across the Atlantic rather than shouted from the rooftops. While his career exploded in the UK as a member of the boy band Take That and as a solo sensation, his fame didn’t quite translate stateside. Enter Better Man, the latest film from Michael Gracey, the visionary director behind The Greatest Showman. But this isn’t your typical rags-to-riches music biopic. Better Man goes beyond the familiar beats of childhood struggles, disapproving fathers, and the rockstar trifecta of sex, drugs, and stardom.
From the very first scene, Gracey throws a curveball. Robbie Williams, voiced by himself, introduces the film with, “I want to show you how I really see myself.” The catch? He’s a CGI monkey. Yes, you read that right. Imagine Planet of the Apes crashing into Top of the Pops — an unexpected yet strangely fitting entry point into the complex psyche of one of Britain’s most iconic performers.
The Monkey Metaphor
Williams has long described himself as a “performing monkey,” feeling less evolved than his peers. This sentiment, deeply rooted in his life experiences, becomes the foundation of Better Man. From his youngest days in Take That to his wild solo career, Williams’s antics and struggles with addiction made headlines. Gracey, however, takes this symbolism seriously. There’s no “aha” moment where the monkey disappears to reveal the “real” Robbie. This isn’t a gimmick. The monkey stays. It is who Williams believes he is.
A stunning motion-capture performance by Jonno Davies brings the character to life, with Williams providing heartfelt voiceover. This avatar blends man, beast, and machine, perfectly capturing the duality of Williams’s existence. Occasionally, the monkey growls or beats his chest, but for the most part, he moves and behaves like any regular human.
Gracey’s Unique Direction
Gracey masterfully blends grounded realism with extravagant musical sequences. Some scenes echo the intimate storytelling of a Mike Leigh drama, while others burst with the electric energy reminiscent of Sing Street. Musical numbers transform into action sequences, capturing the turbulence of Williams’ life.
Take, for example, the iconic “Come Undone” sequence. Williams flees from Take That after his antics lead to his expulsion, the scene morphing into a Fast and Furious-style car chase before plunging him into a lake surrounded by flashing paparazzi. His Knebworth performance erupts into an all-out battle royale of apes, directly confronting his inner demons.
A Showstopping Spectacle
The crown jewel of the film is undoubtedly the “Rock DJ” sequence. In one continuous shot, the audience is taken on a whirlwind journey through Take That’s meteoric rise. Hundreds of dancers flood Regent Street as Williams and his bandmates transition through eras, complete with iconic costume changes. It’s pure visual magic, rivaling Dexter Fletcher’s work on Rocketman. If you watch nothing else, watch this scene.
The Emotional Core
While Better Man Movie dazzles with spectacle, it never loses sight of its emotional depth. Gracey delves into Williams’s darkest moments — the intrusive thoughts, the self-doubt, and the relentless pursuit of validation. In one striking scene, versions of Williams stare back at him from the crowd, manifesting his inner demons. They mock him, pushing him towards self-destructive habits that alienate those closest to him, including Nicole Appleton of All Saints, played with subtle grace by Raechelle Banno.
Yet, even in his lowest moments, the film never loses its sense of humor. A coke-snorting monkey in a futuristic fat-sucking suit might sound absurd, but for Williams, it’s an honest representation of his chaotic journey. Better Man balances these raw confessions with self-awareness, steering clear of melodrama.
A Biopic Unlike Any Other
Where Better Man stands out is its refusal to play by the rules. Gracey crafts a biopic that feels as rebellious and flamboyant as its subject. There’s a touch of satire, but it never tips into parody. Instead, the film embraces the absurdity that is Robbie Williams.
Even if you’re unfamiliar with Williams, Better Man offers a universal exploration of fame, identity, and the price of success. It’s bold, unapologetically weird, and impossible to ignore. And let’s be honest — could a Robbie Williams movie really be any other way?
Sit back and let him entertain you.
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My Name is M Anas. I am a passionate blogger with a knack for sharing insights on technology, autos, Mobile Phone, etc. With a creative flair and a commitment to delivering engaging content, Anas aims to inspire and inform readers with unique perspectives and well-researched articles.