As a long-time fan of Robbie Williams, I must say that his life story is nothing short of extraordinary. From his humble beginnings in a working-class town in the West Midlands to his meteoric rise as a pop icon, it’s been quite a ride. The fact that they’ve chosen to portray him as a CG monkey throughout the entire biopic in “Better Man” is certainly an unusual choice, but it adds a unique twist to the musical biopic genre and keeps the truth-squadders at bay.
Let’s talk about the monkey in the room.
Like, literally.
In an unexpected twist, Paramount’s new biopic “Better Man,” about Robbie Williams, which premiered at TIFF 2024 this week, features a unique casting choice: instead of a human actor, the entire film portrays Robbie Williams as a CG monkey. This monkey represents every stage of Williams’ life throughout the movie.
This decision is quite daring, stemming from Williams telling director Michael Gracey that he often felt like a circus performer; the director of The Greatest Showman seized this opportunity to challenge the conventional musical biopic.
Of course, the choice comes with some benefits too.
In response to those who claim “That didn’t occur here, nor anywhere else,” I must clarify, I am no orangutan, my experiences extend beyond the confines of a single location. (Williams to THR, Toronto)
As a gamer, diving into the upcoming movie (due in December) feels like stepping onto the winding A456 west of Newnham Bridge, where a life full of unexpected turns awaits me. Growing up with my mom and grandmother in a working-class town in the West Midlands, I found myself joining Take That as a teenager back in the early 90’s. My journey wasn’t easy; I was kicked out of the band years later due to not toeing the line, but that didn’t stop me from forging a successful solo career, rivaling giants like Oasis and Blur. Alongside fame and fortune, there were moments of swagger, addiction, trauma, failure, redemption, reunion, and resurgence. And let’s not forget about that Angels song – you might have heard it 100 times without realizing, humming it in your mind right now.
Williams and Gracey convened in Toronto for a discussion centered around the movie, the pop star’s softening at fifty years old, Williams being instrumental in Hugh Jackman landing a role in The Greatest Showman, and of course, the anticipated reunion of former competitors, the Gallagher Brothers. Here are some key points from their conversation. Feel free to catch the entire interview in the video above, available exclusively.
On disappointment:
About a decade past, I believed he was planning to offer me the main role in The Greatest Showman… but instead, he asked, “Would you mind reaching out to Hugh Jackman and ask if he’d be interested?
On the, um, animalistic approach:
In simpler terms, Gracey mentioned that Rob often jokes about being a circus performer. It struck me then, “Oh, that would be fascinating! Not just hearing Rob narrate, but experiencing his tale from his unique perspective, and witnessing him not as others perceive him, but as he views himself.
On his demon-wrestle with impulse control:
WILLIAMS: “It’s significantly improved, much better than before… Yet, I appreciate the movie doesn’t provide a neat resolution. After all, that’s not how real life works.
On what Williams wants from the next stage of his career:
Williams yearns for another chance to taste the fruit, as it would afford him a unique opportunity to savor omnipresence and triumph in ways he hadn’t previously, devoid of genuine happiness. Instead, the rewards were limited to material wealth, making it more like a refined version of captivity.
On why a musical suited this story:
GRACEY My rule is you sing when words no longer suffice so it tends to be in moments of extreme euphoria or depths of despair… The amazing thing about Rob’s life is there’s no shortage of depths of despair or moments of euphoria.
On how Williams feels about the monkey:
WILLIAMS It’s a massive swing. There was some focus group in America and it came back, “Why the monkey?” And I was like, “Oh yeah… why the monkey?”
On professional evolution:
In my initial movie, “GRACEY Showman”, I was persistently striving to translate my ideas onto the vast cinema screen. This odyssey, brimming with countless hurdles, becomes an adventure that refines your abilities. Now, I feel what’s in my mind is more vividly expressed on the screen.
On the Gallagher Brothers Summer 2025 concert tour:
JONES Finding this reunion intriguing holds a touch of sentimental cheesiness… It’s much like the anticipation surrounding Evil Knievel attempting to jump buses; everyone’s eager, but success isn’t guaranteed… [Now, I wonder] how can such an event be organized?… Can one even obtain insurance for unresolved childhood traumas?
On whether he’s put away his beef with the Gallagher Brothers:
WILLIAMS Here’s one thing you wouldn’t have had on your bingo card in 1999-2002: “The most evolved Gallagher brother will be…?” You would say Noel. [But] Noel is still Noel. Liam’s a different Liam. He’s changed, and he’s changed for the better… he’s a sympathetic character.”
One last thought on the monkey:
WILLIAMS I’m a big fan of not everything making sense anyway.
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2024-09-12 04:55