If you were a fan of The Greatest Showman – and who isn’t? – then you’ll likely enjoy Better Man, a semi-biographical film about British singer Robbie Williams, albeit with a unique twist. In this film, Williams is portrayed as a chimpanzee. Despite the unconventional choice, the movie is both entertaining and surprisingly touching. Directed by Michael Gracey, who also helmed The Greatest Showman, Better Man offers a whimsical take on Williams, depicting him as a human-like chimp who grapples with his sense of self and relationships. The film captures moments of humor and emotion, delivering a blend of laughter and poignancy that resonates with audiences.
Better Man is a cinematic journey based on the true story of Robbie Williams, tracing his extraordinary career from a young boy in a boy band to a record-breaking solo artist. Through Gracey’s innovative direction, the film showcases Williams’ wit and resilience, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of fame. The decision to portray Williams as a monkey stems from his own reflections on feeling like a “trained monkey” in the spotlight, offering a unique perspective on his life and artistry.
While not a traditional musical, Better Man incorporates musical elements into its narrative, drawing on Williams’ iconic songs to enhance the storytelling. The cast includes Robbie Williams as the narrator and voice of the character, along with motion capture actor Jonno Davies portraying the chimpanzee version of Williams. Steve Pemberton also stars in the film as Peter, a significant figure in Williams’ journey.
Overall, Better Man promises a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience, blending humor, music, and emotion to celebrate the life and legacy of Robbie Williams in a truly original way.
Mark Gatiss, known for his roles in Doctor Who, Whitechapel, and Hotel Babylon, plays Robbie’s father in the film. Gatiss is also recognized as one of the co-creators of the popular sitcom, The League of Gentlemen.
Alison Steadman portrays Betty, Robbie’s grandmother, with whom he shares a close bond. Steadman has had a successful career in theatre, with notable film credits including Topsy-Turvy, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, and Life is Sweet. On television, she has appeared in productions such as Pride & Prejudice, Gavin & Stacey, and Boomers. Steadman was previously married to director Mike Leigh, known for Secrets & Lies.
Better Man made its debut at the Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2024, before opening in select U.S. theaters on Christmas Day. The nationwide release is scheduled for January 10, 2025.
As awards season approaches, the potential accolades for Better Man are yet to be determined. The film’s original song, “Forbidden Road,” was initially considered for a Best Original Song nomination at the Academy Awards but was later disqualified due to containing material not created specifically for the film. However, the song remains nominated for the same category at the Golden Globes. Additionally, Better Man is in the running for a Best Visual Effects nomination at the Oscars.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of what Better Man has to offer, an official trailer is available for viewing. Furthermore, a gallery showcasing select images from the film can be viewed to get a sense of its visual style and atmosphere.
In conclusion, Better Man presents a compelling narrative with a talented cast, promising an engaging cinematic experience for audiences.
