As a die-hard fan of musical biopics and someone who has spent countless hours delving into the lives of my favorite artists, I must say that “Better Man” left me utterly spellbound! The film’s unique approach to telling Robbie Williams‘ story through a CGI chimp is not just audacious but also surprisingly effective.
In an innovative twist, legendary British pop artist Robbie Williams experiences a unique musical biography in the film “Better Man“, where he is depicted as a CGI, motion-captured chimpanzee, tracing his journey from childhood to turbulent stardom. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear why this unconventional approach was chosen. Director and co-writer Michael Gracey imbues the movie with a daring creative perspective, offering a captivating new angle on a familiar subject. Tales of celebrities rising from rags to riches, battling addiction and depression, are common in Hollywood. However, “Better Man” tackles these themes while Robbie Williams himself shares the harsh reality hidden beneath the glitz and glamour. Success can be a powerful drug that feeds our darkest instincts. As the title suggests, a dream come true can just as easily turn into a nightmare.
In the economically struggling town of Stoke-on-Trent, we encounter a character named “Robert” (portrayed by Carter J. Murphy). He’s a boisterous young chimpanzee who struggles with academics and sports but thrives on being the main focus. His need for attention mirrors that of his aspiring performer father. Together with Peter (Steve Pemberton) and their mother, they sing Frank Sinatra tunes in front of their television, with Robert’s grandmother, Nan (Alison Steadman), encouraging them. Robert enjoys the applause but keeps a hidden truth: he feels utterly untalented, a complete fraud. This is how Robert views himself.
Monkeying Around to Glory
Unfortunately, the joyful times don’t last long for 15-year-old Robert (Asmara Feik). He spends his days unproductively at school until a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arises with an open casting call for a boy band. Band manager Nigel Martin-Smith (Damon Herriman) is hosting auditions for his new project. Robert watches as others perform, dance, and express their youthful enthusiasm. He wonders how a mediocre student like him can compete. His answer? Being bold and flipping off the competition. Impressed by the cocky young man, Nigel takes notice, but “Robert” isn’t a name that fits his new star.
A multitude of Take That enthusiasts from the ’90s, who are reminiscent of American groups like NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, will eagerly embrace “Better Man” as if it’s life-giving water in a desert. For those new to boy bands, think of Take That as a British equivalent. The musical “The Greatest Showman” provides an insightful portrayal of the band’s relationships, which significantly impacted Robbie’s self-esteem. Jake Simmance skillfully plays Gary Barlow, who was admired as the group’s chief and songwriter. Meanwhile, Williams embodies the rebellious image that had teenage fans swooning, but he struggled with being sidelined to a secondary role, singing harmonies rather than taking center stage. Scenes showing Nigel asserting authority over Robbie are heart-wrenching.
The Dark Side of Drugs & Dance
In the sequel of “Better Man”, Robbie delves deep into his journey, which mirrors a rapid ascent to fame and its ominous shadow. He candidly shares his battles with depression and suicidal feelings. To cope, he resorted to drugs, alcohol, and antidepressants, acting as a temporary balm for his inner wounds.
In the movie, Jonno Davies mostly plays the character of the adult Robbie. He excels in intricately designed dance sequences, yet unfortunately, he and the other actors portraying Robbie may not receive due credit for their performances hidden beneath the monkey-like makeup. Despite being a CGI role, Jonno skillfully navigates the ups and downs of fame with subtlety. The portrayal of Robbie’s transformation into a cocaine-addicted pill-popper is raw and truthful. There’s nothing comedic about a chimpanzee collapsing in a pool of vomit. As his destructive behaviors reach an irreversible point, they trigger a series of dramatic changes.
A Music Biopic with Flawless Visual Effects
Robbie’s successful solo career resembles a captivating soap opera filled with drama. Gracey exposes the juicy details behind Robbie, his girlfriend Nicole Appleton (played by Raechelle Banno), a former All Saints member, and Liam Gallagher (portrayed by Leo Harvey-Elledge) from Oasis. Brace yourself, this is quite the spectacle! The narrative takes an intriguing turn, delving into mature and serious topics. Gracey masterfully handles such personal matters, which caused a media storm in the British tabloids at the time. There’s no attempt to sugarcoat anything, making it all the more commendable. Robbie speaks candidly about his experiences with unwavering honesty.
The captivating musical number extravaganza, “Better Man,” promises to leave viewers spellbound with its exceptional tunes and dances. Choreographer Ashley Wallen, who has collaborated with Gracey on The Greatest Showman, cinematographer Erik A. Wilson from the Paddington series, and Weta’s visual effects team are the film’s unsung heroes. In terms of musical numbers, “Better Man” gives “Wicked” a formidable challenge with its awe-inspiring showstoppers. A scene featuring Robbie and Nicole performing together on a yacht is truly enchanting. Prepare to be amazed as the film’s musical aspects are nothing short of stunning in every aspect.
‘Better Man’ Runs Long Without Compromising
As a cinephile who appreciates unique storytelling, I can assure you that even if you’re not a fan of Robbie Williams, this film is still worth your time. The 135-minute runtime might seem excessive, but the creative choice to present Williams as a CGI chimpanzee instead of himself was nothing short of brilliant. From the very beginning, the CGI chimp grabs your attention and keeps it throughout the movie. Williams’ portrayal of how he is perceived adds an extra layer of absurdity that makes the whole thing even more impactful. It’s undeniably cheeky, but it accurately represents his public image in a way that only this film could pull off.
The film titled “Better Man” is a collaborative effort between Sina Studios, Facing East Entertainment, Rocket Science, and Lost Bandits, among others. It’s scheduled for a limited theatrical premiere on December 25th, courtesy of Paramount Pictures. After that, it will be widely distributed across the nation starting from January 17th.
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2024-12-22 07:03