Here’s Why Robbie Williams Is a Monkey in ‘Better Man’

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As a film critic who has spent countless hours dissecting the nuances of movies that range from the profoundly moving to the mind-numbingly terrible, I must say that ‘Better Man’ is an audacious and captivating docudrama that defies categorization. The decision to depict Robbie Williams as a tuxedo-clad monkey may initially strike viewers as odd, but it’s far from being a mere gimmick.

The choice of the monkey metaphor is rooted in Williams’ own words and experiences, serving as a poignant reminder of the toll stardom can take on one’s psyche. The monkey suit, often associated with performers who feel compelled to entertain like circus animals, resonates deeply with Williams’ feelings about his public persona.

What sets ‘Better Man’ apart from other music biopics is its innovative use of CGI to satirize the industry. It’s a bold move that, love it or hate it, is sure to spark conversation and provoke thought. And let me tell you, after years of watching actors try to convincingly portray musicians, it’s refreshing to see a monkey take center stage!

In the end, ‘Better Man’ offers a unique perspective on fame, mental health, and the human condition. It’s a film that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll. And if you ask me, anything that can make you laugh, cry, and question the nature of reality all in one sitting is definitely worth watching!

On Christmas 2024, the film Better Man made its debut in select cinemas, marking one of the most daring docudramas ever produced with a staggering budget of $110 million. This epic production traces the life and career of renowned British pop star Robbie Williams, using state-of-the-art digital effects from Weta to depict Williams as a monkey dressed in a tuxedo. Although it may seem strange and challenging at first, the artistic vision behind this film becomes more comprehensible as it mirrors Williams’ psychological journey as he contemplates his past.

As fans of Williams consider attending cinemas to watch the film “Better Man“, the unusual decision to portray the popular singer as a anthropomorphic monkey will provide a deeper appreciation of the movie’s intended meaning. Rather than simply being a humorous visual and auditory trick, this film’s origin story and reasons for success are better understood when considering why “Better Man” thrives, not struggles, by presenting Robbie Williams as a primate resembling those from “Planet of the Apes“.

‘Better Man’ Charts the Epic Highs and Lows of Robbie Williams’ Career

Michael Gracey, known for “The Greatest Showman,” teamed up with Oliver Cole and Simon Gleeson to direct a unique music biopic titled “Better Man.” This film chronicles the extraordinary rise and heartbreaking descent of Robbie Williams, the influential British pop star whose albums such as Life Thru a Lens, I’ve Been Expecting You, Escapology, Intensive Care, Reality Killed the Video Star, Take the Crown, The Christmas Present, and others left an indelible mark.

The film “Better Man” was shaped after an 18-month interview period between Gracey and Williams. These interviews weren’t originally intended for the movie, but Gracey believed it was crucial for viewers to listen to Williams narrate his story in his unique style. Consequently, much of William’s narration in “Better Man” comes directly from these personal conversations, offering fans a unique insight into the mind of the pop star.

In the eye-catching posters, it’s revealed that the character Williams portrays in the movie takes on an ape-like appearance. These posters also replicate the cover of Williams’ 1997 solo debut album, “Life Thru a Lens”, highlighting his life under the public spotlight. To create this ape, Gracey enlisted Weta Digital, a cutting-edge special effects company renowned for its work on blockbusters like “Planet of the Apes”, “Lord of the Rings”, and “Avatar”. The end product offers a refreshing, distinctive, and deeply engaging experience that carries symbolic significance.

‘Better Man’s Development, Explained

The movie “Better Man” spans three decades of Williams’ career, employing creative visual elements for satirical commentary on the music industry. It delves into his time with the duo Take That prior to his solo career and even hints at a possible reunion. When asked about portraying himself as a monkey in the film, Williams explained the process to “The Times”.

Quite peculiar! I found myself seated beside the actress portraying my grandmother, while another actor took on the roles of both my mother and father during makeup application.

In the story, English actor Jonno Davies (from Hunters) lends his voice to the younger version of Williams’ character. To make the monkey’s movements appear lifelike, Davies wore a motion-capture suit. Director Gracey skillfully blended Davies’ unique physical performance and Williams’ familiar voice, thanks in part to the visual effects from Weta Digital.

Concerning the tunes played in the movie, Williams re-recorded popular numbers like “Angels,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “She’s The One.” As Gracey shared with NME, Williams “re-performed” these hits to better match the film’s emotional scene. Additionally, he recorded a fresh track for the soundtrack named “Forbidden Road,” which has recently been nominated for Best Original Song at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards.

Why ‘Better Man’s Monkey Metaphor is a Brilliant Choice

Initially, portraying Williams as a monkey might appear to be a mere amusing trick. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that this representation was a purposeful symbolic choice, emphasizing Williams’ struggle with the chaos and emotional turmoil brought about by fame.

The phrase “Monkey Suit” is commonly used to denote a tuxedo worn by individuals in the spotlight or entertainment industry who may feel compelled to perform, much like trained circus animals, under intense scrutiny from their audience. During interviews, Williams often refers to himself as a “Performing Monkey,” highlighting his feelings of being forced to entertain. In the posters for the show “Better Man,” when Williams is depicted wearing a tuxedo, this visual element serves to convey the symbolic connection between the theme more clearly.

In examining the gap between William’s self-image and his public persona portrayal, “Better Man” gives the singer an opportunity to delve into his vulnerabilities and articulate feelings that have been utilized for entertainment. As a constant performer in the public eye, the monkey symbolizes how he has seemingly lost touch with his humanity over the past three decades. Williams aims to separate his genuine self from his public persona, and the monkey serves as a symbol of the distinction between his voice and appearance, emphasizing this divide. Upon the film’s conclusion, William’s loneliness, isolation, alienation, and existential emptiness become strikingly evident.

In a symbolic sense, the movie, “Better Man,” diverges from the routine biopic format by daringly employing CGI to lampoon the music industry. With a plethora of music biographies and documentaries flooding the market every year, this production stands out by satirizing the industry in an innovative manner. At the very least, “Better Man” is a bold, ambitious attempt that pays tribute to, yet also serves as a warning about, life under public scrutiny. “Better Man” is currently playing in selected cinemas.

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2025-01-04 18:32