"Better Man": The Most Honest and Bold Biopic
Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, surprises us with an eccentric biopic about Robbie Williams—a rather peculiar portrait of the British pop star, starring a monkey.
Robbie Williams continues to captivate audiences, as he has for decades, but this time through a film centered on his life and musical career. The movie offers a brilliant twist on the classic biopic formula: the role of Robbie is played by none other than a CGI-generated chimpanzee. It’s a bold decision that, against all odds, proves incredibly effective, setting the film apart from the conventional biopics we’ve seen time and again.
For those familiar with the charismatic Robbie Williams, it couldn’t have been any other way. Better Man exudes the cheeky, humorous tone that so defines the British singer. Unfiltered, it brings to light the darker aspects of his life. Some of the artist’s most iconic anthems, such as “Feel,” “Angels,” and “She’s the One,” serve as the narrative thread, weaving together a story that openly delves into his personal struggles.
Marked by the absence of his father, Robbie Williams dreamed from a young age of achieving success through his music. In the film, we witness his meteoric rise to stardom as a member of the boyband Take That, but also his most troubled times and his tumultuous relationship with fame—a relationship that plunged him into a spiral of addiction and depression, all while battling the imposter syndrome that pervades the entire movie.
Better Man is a visual spectacle that amazes with its lavish production, featuring sequences that transport us to the most iconic moments of his career and captivating dance numbers, culminating in a powerful rendition of Sinatra’s “My Way.” The film delivers a raw and moving story that deeply resonates with audiences—not just his fans. Robbie Williams portrays himself as an imperfect, constantly evolving individual, reflecting on his missteps and the people who have shaped his life.
Despite his struggles, one thing is clear: he has cemented his place as one of the greatest and most influential showmen of his generation.
