Movies - Better man : Robbie Williams' Journey Unveiled in a Bold Cinematic Experience

By Mulder, 14 november 2024

The highly anticipated biographical film Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman fame, is set to redefine the music biopic genre. Slated for release in the U.S. on December 25, 2024, with a wider European rollout, including France in January 2025, this daring project takes an unconventional approach to portray British pop icon Robbie Williams, incorporating cutting-edge CGI and satire to craft an emotionally rich and visually stunning narrative.

Eschewing traditional storytelling, Better Man reimagines Robbie Williams as a CGI chimpanzee, animated through motion-capture technology by Jonno Davies. This audacious decision captures the essence of Williams' larger-than-life persona, presenting his meteoric rise to fame, battles with addiction, and ultimate redemption through an inventive and satirical lens. The trailer, which recently dropped, has already sparked immense curiosity for its bold humor, heartfelt moments, and reinterpreted musical performances.

Michael Gracey’s vision blends surrealism with authenticity, interweaving iconic moments from Williams’ career with creative reinterpretations of his classic hits. Songs like Angels, She’s the One, and Let Me Entertain You have been re-recorded to align with the film's emotional beats, offering a fresh take on these beloved tracks. The narrative delves into Robbie's early days with Take That, his solo triumphs, and his struggles with personal demons, promising a raw and poignant exploration of fame's pressures.

Better Man boasts a stellar cast and production team. While Robbie Williams himself appears in parts of the film, Jonno Davies brings the younger Williams to life through motion capture. The supporting cast includes Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, and Damon Herriman, with a special cameo from the next generation of actors playing Williams' Take That bandmates. Filming took place in Melbourne and London, with iconic moments like the recreation of his 2001 Live at the Albert concert captured to evoke both nostalgia and realism.

The film’s festival circuit debut at Telluride in August and its subsequent showcase at the Toronto International Film Festival in September received praise for its innovative storytelling and visual effects. Critics lauded the film as a daring spectacle, blending satirical elements with heartfelt musical performances, making it a strong contender for awards season buzz. Adding to the excitement for Robbie Williams fans, his newly announced European tour in 2024 will bring him to Paris on July 2. This highly anticipated concert is expected to feature some of the reimagined renditions from Better Man, bridging the gap between the cinematic and live experiences of his music.

As Better Man gears up for its December release, it promises to be a groundbreaking entry in the biopic genre. With its unique storytelling, audacious visuals, and a heartfelt look at one of pop music’s most charismatic figures, the film is set to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you’re drawn by nostalgia, intrigued by the unconventional premise, or simply a fan of Williams’ iconic music, Better Man is poised to be a cinematic event that leaves a lasting impression.

Synopsis :
The rise of British singer/songwriter Robbie Williams. After becoming a star with the Boy Band, Take That, in the 1990s, he gradually plunged into artificial paradise before returning to solo success in 1997 with the song Angels.

Better Man
Directed by Michael Gracey
Written by Michael Gracey, Oliver Cole, Simon Gleeson
Produced by Craig McMahon, Paul Currie, Michael Gracey, Coco Xiaolu Ma
Starring Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman
Cinematography : Erik Wilson
Music by Batu Sener (score), Robbie Williams (songs)
Production companies : Footloose Productions, Zero Gravity Management, Jumpy Cow Pictures, Showman, Rocket Science
Distributed by Roadshow Films (Australia), Paramount Pictures (United States)
Release dates : 30 August 2024 (Telluride), 25 December 2024 (United States), January 22, 2025 (France)
Running time : 134 minutes