This makes a monkey out of the traditional musical biopic.
Robbie Williams has always fascinated me. While most celebrities seem trained to reveal just enough to pique our interest without giving too much away, Robbie has always marched to the beat of his own drum, saying whatever he likes without a second thought. If you’ve never heard his infamous story about a cleaning maid on The Graham Norton Show, do yourself a favour and look it up – it’s a quintessential example of his unfiltered personality.
So, when his documentary was released earlier this year, I streamed it immediately. And when I heard a musical film about his life, featuring his iconic hits, was coming to the big screen, I knew I’d be in the cinema on opening day.
Directed by Michael Gracey, the creative genius behind The Greatest Showman, Better Man is a dazzling, vibrant, and meticulously choreographed film that demands your attention.
Gracey takes us on an emotional rollercoaster through Williams’ life, exploring his childhood in Stoke-on-Trent under the shadow of an absent father, the highs and lows of his tumultuous boy band years, the heartbreak of his split from Take That, and the bittersweet saga of his romance with All Saints’ Nicole Appleton.
The film doesn’t shy away from his darker days, but it also celebrates his ultimate redemption as a solo artist, achieving a level of success that likely exceeded even his own wildest dreams.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or rather, the chimpanzee. Yes, Robbie Williams is portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee in the film. It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? Brought to life through motion capture, the decision to depict Robbie as the only non-human character stems from his own feelings of feeling ‘less evolved’ than his peers.
When I first heard this, I was apprehensive, fearing it would come across as a gimmick and distract from the story. But to my surprise, it works brilliantly. Within minutes, I stopped seeing a chimpanzee and started seeing Robbie. It’s a bold creative choice, and it pays off spectacularly.
Better Man might just be the best biopic I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen my fair share, from Rocketman to Bohemian Rhapsody. While those films were enjoyable, the biopic genre has often fallen into a predictable formula – giving us glimpses of the dark moments without ever fully committing to the uncomfortable truths. Not here. Robbie himself was heavily involved in the making of this film, and true to form, he holds nothing back. As he’s said in interviews, he didn’t live a PG life, so this isn’t a PG film.
Of course, some creative liberties were taken. During the press tour, it was revealed that Gary Barlow was uneasy about the original script, saying: “I come across worse than Darth Vader.” Some tweaks were made to soften the edges, but the raw, unfiltered essence of Robbie’s story remains. He’s not here to paint a perfect picture of himself, and that honesty makes the film all the more compelling.
The musical sequences are simply stunning. You can see Gracey’s fingerprints all over them. One number set on London’s Regent Street left me utterly mesmerised. The choreography, visuals, and sheer energy of these scenes elevate Better Man into something truly special. Let Me Entertain You, indeed.
And then there’s the emotional impact. I’m not someone who shies away from tears in a movie, but Better Man left me an absolute wreck. If you have unresolved issues with your father, be warned – this film will hit you hard. But that’s what great art is supposed to do, isn’t it? It’s meant to move you, to make you feel something profound. I wasn’t expecting to be so affected, but I’m glad I was. It will likely stay with me far longer as a result.
In short, Better Man is a masterpiece – equal parts heart-wrenching and uplifting.
Like the singer himself, it’s a film that dares to be different and succeeds on every level.
Rating: 4.5/5
Mike Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough & Odeon Luxe Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Kate Mulvany, Alison Steadman, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Jake Simmance, Liam Head, Jesse Hyde & Chase Vollenweider
Running Time: 2 Hrs 15 Mins
Director: Michael Gracey
For all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux & Odeon Luxe Cinemas go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and www.odeon.co.uk
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