Theaters are filled every year with biopics about stars in all fields. One of the most popular is the biopic of the famous musician. Just this Christmas season we’re getting a tale about Bob Dylan. But we’re also getting a different kind of biopic, a musical celebration of the life and career of Robbie Williams.
The film Better Man is about Williams’ life. And it’s told to audiences by Williams himself, who plays the narrator for the film. The story is brought to life by director Michael Gracey, who was behind another musical in The Greatest Showman. But it’s not delivered in the way you might expect.
The film hits all the right notes. We explore Williams’ childhood, we track through his career, and we see the highs-and-lows of his life. But while everyone around him is played by an actor, Williams appears as an ape. Yes, you read that correctly.
It’s a conceit that begins at the top of the film. Williams is portrayed as an ape throughout, though actors provide the motion capture. It gives his character a unique, CGI visage throughout the film. While at first it seems odd, it turns out to be the perfect way for Williams to uniquely tell his story in his own voice.
As mentioned, we pick up with Williams as a child. He shares about his life and his relationship with his parents, which challenged and inspired him. Soon, as a teenager, he auditions and is selected for the boy group Take That. It’s a big break but it exposes him to a lifestyle and wealth he’s not prepared to handle.
Soon, Williams’ actions wear thin, and he’s invited to leave the group. He goes through dark struggles with drugs and alcohol, and a difficult relationship with singer Nicole Appleton (Raechelle Banno). Through it all he also struggles with mental and emotional issues that keep him from moving forward.
As we progress through the film, he gets the help he needs, learns to live with his self-doubt and demons, and makes amends with his parents as he launches a remarkable solo career that has made him a well-known star today.
This film has an odd take that might require some adjustment at first. Through the first part of the film, I found myself thinking about the choice and why it was made. But a funny thing happens as you make your way through the film—Williams’ charm and his story pulls you in. By the end I was completely sold, and the choice of avatar melted away as I was taken with the emotional arc of this story.
Gracey does a beautiful job, too. There are several outstanding musical numbers in the film that create a visual spectacle that wows you. And the use of Williams’ famous songs is well timed, particularly his hit “Angels” that provides one of the emotional high-water marks of the film.
This isn’t your typical biopic, and it isn’t your typical musical. But it’s a beautiful fusion of music and originality that will tug at your heartstrings. It’s a great film to seek out this holiday season.
Better Man opens in limited release December 25 and expands nationwide by January 10.