From the marketing alone, Better Man feels like a journey into the bizarre. Told from his own perspective, Better Man tells the story of the wild rise, fall and rebirth of British pop superstar Robbie Williams. From a young age, Williams was determined to leave his mark on the music industry. After making it big as a member of boyband Take That, Williams embarks on his own incredible solo career. However, fame has its trappings and Williams must fight through the demons of his past.
Also, he’s portrayed as a chimpanzee.
Directed by Michael Gracey, Better Man is an absolutely stunning marvel to behold. Weaving fantastical musical sequences with grounded reality, the tale of Robbie Williams takes on an almost ethereal quality. Whereas many of the musical biopics in recent years seem to hit similar beats, Better Man’s creative visuals and storytelling truly make it a unique experience that both amuses the senses and speaks from the heart. (Though, fans of Gracey’s work should be aware that Better Man is not quite a family-friendly romp like his PG-rated mega-hit, The Greatest Showman.)
It’s unquestionably one of the best films of the year.
Right off the bat, we need to address the elephant in the room. (Well, the chimp, anyways…) Much is going to be made about Gracey and Williams’ decision to portray his younger self as a sort-of human/monkey hybrid. And yes, its initially jarring. However, the gimmick is handled so beautifully that one cannot help but be quickly drawn in by it. (For what it’s worth, when asked about their reasoning for the decision, both Gracey and Wiliams have given multiple responses. What is clear is that the choice was absolutely intentional with several layers of meaning behind it.)
In fact, the motion capture works so well that it revives the question of whether or not CGI work qualifies for recognition at the Oscars. Whereas performers are often lauded for their work under physical makeup, digital mocap still falls under ‘visual effects’. But Better Man represents another movement forward of how the medium can be used so effectively. After the initial shock of watching a chimp interact as a member of the family wears off, Jonno Davies’ performance as Williams becomes engrossing and even feels genuine.
Given that Williams is one of the most notable pop stars of the early 21st Century, it should come as no surprise that the music is incredible. However, what’s most impressive is how the music is used. Rather than explain the meaning behind each and every tune, Gracey employs Williams’ catalog as storytelling devices. Similar to the recent Elton John biopic, Rocketman, Better Man uses its soundtrack to drive the character development forward. In doing so, each number brings a sense of whimsy and emotion but never feels forced.
In the media, Williams has been known as something of a ‘cheeky monkey, willing to laugh at himself but also leaning into the spotlight. Even so, Better Man never becomes a ‘puff piece’. Instead, Gracey and Williams insist on showing the underbelly of fame, highlighting his addictions and emotional traumas. Even with its sharp sense of humour, this is a film that’s unafraid to show the flaws within its lead.
Williams is a man of complexity. In some moments, he’s unwilling to apologize for himself yet, in others, he’s self-reflective and repentant. But Better Man sits within his struggle to be more than who he has been. There’s recognition of the things that have been done to him but also an understanding of his own responsibility. We watch him rise, fall, grow, change and, yes… evolve as a man.
Maybe you’re still skeptical. It’s understandable. From the (surprisingly accurate) marketing, Better Man feels like an oddity that may not appeal to the casual viewer. But, even with its strange concept, this is undoubtedly one of the most magical and tragical cinema experiences that you’ll have this year. So, but the ticket and let [him] entertain you.
Better Man is available in theatres on Friday, December 25th, 2024.
