Better Man, the biopic of Robbie Williams directed by Michael Gracey in cinemas now is an absolute blast from start to finish. It follows the tale of Williams’ rise to stardom, joining the boy band Take That in the 1990s, his departure from the band and his subsequent rise to fame as a solo artist.
The film doesn’t shy away from exploring Williams’ struggles with addiction, self-doubt, and fame. It dives deep into the toll that stardom took on his mental health and relationships, portraying these moments with raw honesty and emotional weight…and oh yeah, he’s played by a CGI chimpanzee.
The film’s audacious choice to portray Williams as a computer-generated chimpanzee among a human cast is initially surprising, but it quickly becomes obvious that it is a masterstroke that adds depth and surreal humour to the narrative.
One of the most poignant aspects of the movie is its depiction of Robbie’s complex relationship with his family. The scenes with his father, Pete (who walked out on the family in pursuit of fame and fortune when Williams was a child) were particularly touching, showing how their bond has been both a source of strength and tension.
These moments were balanced beautifully with the depiction of his tumultuous romance with Nicole Appleton from 1990s girl group All Saints. The film captures both the highs of their passionate connection and the heartbreak of their eventual breakup, painting a vivid picture of how his personal life was impacted by his fame and inner demons.
A significant portion of the film was shot right here in Melbourne with director Michael Gracey ,(The Greatest Showman, Rocketman) bringing the production to his hometown. (And a confession: I’m a little bit biased as a fan – I was supposed to be at the 2022 concert at Rod Laver that was filmed for this biopic, but the bastard COVID-19 felled me and I had to stay home). The film makes use of Melbourne’s diverse locations and state-of-the-art production facilities to recreate key moments from Robbie Williams’ life.
The musical sequences were nothing short of spectacular. The ‘Rock DJ’ number, in particular, stood out as a dazzling set piece, showcasing Gracey’s flair for grand, energetic performances that are a hallmark of his films.
Jonno Davies delivered a tremendous performance as Williams, bringing emotional depth and physical specificity to the character, elevating the monkey avatar beyond a mere gimmick.
Despite its heavy themes, Better Man also finds moments of humour and triumph, particularly through its spectacular musical sequences. Robbie’s journey of self-acceptance and redemption is inspiring, and the film’s unflinching honesty makes it all the more impactful.
I left the cinema moved and with a newfound respect for Robbie Williams’ resilience, understanding why he’s been doing all he can to be a Better Man over the past two decades.
