“Better Man” is a 2024 musical biopic film that describes the life of pop star Robbie Williams from the United Kingdom. This movie is created by Michael Gracey who also directed the movie The Greatest Showman, as a result, the film shows in an unusual way Williams’ story integrating all the events which occurred in his life from being a member of the boy band Take That. To which he is close to overcoming as a solo performer.‘’Better Man’’ too has been announced with the date set to be released.
Synopsis
The documentary showcases the journey of Robbie Williams from a young active boy growing up in Stoke-on-Trent to becoming an international pop icon. It details his time spent with the band Take That, how and why he decided to leave to find a life as a solo artist. It even talks about his substance abuse life and his personal issues as well endures. Another Directors decision that is rather interesting to note is that of clearly giving the audience the idea of Williams’ sense of self by showing him as a CGI monkey which he believes himself to be a ‘performing monkey’. Thus, providing a certain level of perspective which is somewhat unreal.
Cast & Crew
- Robbie Williams: Voiced by himself and Jonno Davies, with Davies providing the motion-capture performance.
- Steve Pemberton: Portrays Peter, a significant figure in Williams’ life.
- Alison Steadman: Plays Betty, adding depth to the familial aspects of the story.
- Kate Mulvany: Features as Janet, contributing to the portrayal of Williams’ personal relationships.
IMDb Ratings
As of now, “Better Man” holds a Metascore of 74 on IMDb, indicating generally favorable reviews from critics.
Critical Reception
The film has garnered a range of reactions:
- Positive: Empire Online describes it as “an absolute blast,” praising its bold narrative choices.
- Mixed: The Independent notes that the unconventional portrayal “works far more than you might think,” acknowledging the film’s inventive approach.
- Negative: The Times criticizes the CGI depiction, suggesting it detracts from the film’s impact.
Personal Insights
When it comes to the interesting aspects of the plot of “Better Man”, the first which comes to my mind is the decision to portray Williams as a CGI chimpanzee. This metaphor illustrates his sentiments as a “performing monkey” which I suppose is a more accurate portrayal of how he sees himself. The film features the former actor in musical sequences which are colorful and, most importantly, portray the whole emotional ideal of Williams’ art.
Cultural Significance
Robbie Williams’s impact in British popular culture is unquestionable, his songs appealing to more than just a generation. His biopic ‘Better Man’ portrays not only his start and achievements in the entertainment, but also expresses the struggle with fame and the burden of being in the show business. The changes in narrative structure of the film make the usual biopic format look stale and simple as well as inflating debates concerning stardom, the notion of self and the sense of self.
