Review

The standard-order musician's bio-pic exists primarily as a way for filmmakers to capitalize on the popularity of a singer and an opportunity to provide viewers with a "greatest hits" compilation. Rarely do these films achieve any sort of cinematic greatness and most feel largely disposable. The often-ignored truth is that, although many of the subjects of these movies may be accomplished artists with tremendous talent, this doesn't mean their lives are sufficiently interesting to warrant a motion picture.

Although Robbie Williams, the singer/songwriter/performer at the center of Better Man, doesn't offer a more dramatic life story than that of any other recording artist receiving a big-screen homage, two stylistic/narrative choices make this overall a compelling bio-pic. The first is that director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) chooses to present Williams not as the hero of his own story but as the antagonist. Williams (who was heavily involved in the development and production of the movie) leans into his reputation as a "bad boy." Better Man doesn't offer him up as a cartoonish villain - attempts are made to humanize him - but he's rarely likeable and sometimes downright despicable. The second (and more audacious) decision is to represent Williams as a chimpanzee, which adds pizzazz during those instances when the storyline turns generic.

The motion capture work necessary to give life to the simian Williams is top-notch - at least as good as anything in the recent Planet of the Apes cycle. Jonno Davies provides the body and Williams does his own voicework (both spoken and singing). This overcomes the issue of finding someone to play the title character (or requiring de-aging to be done on Williams) since he is essentially able to do it himself. Better Man never breaks the illusion, either. There are no instances when Williams is depicted as human (unless you count the obligatory photos during the end credits).

Fans of Williams and the boy band Take That (of which he was a member before embarking on a solo career) will find plenty of songs to sate their appetite. Some are the original recordings but many have been re-recorded specifically for the movie to better fit the moment. Around a dozen songs are featured, including "Let Me Entertain You," "Angels," and "She's the One."

Since much of Williams' life has played out under the glare of the tabloid-fueled public spotlight, many of the incidents recounted in Better Man will come as no surprise to fans, especially in the U.K. The "new" material relates to his relationships with other family members, particularly his beloved grandmother, Betty (Alison Steadman), and his fame-obsessed father, Peter (Steve Pemberton). His mother, Janet (Kate Mulvany), gets some screen time but the script downplays her involvement in his life and development.

The narrative's structure is roughly of the three-act variety, with the first section focusing on Williams' rise to fame as he is discovered by manager Nigel Martin-Smith and incorporated into the boy band quintet of Take That alongside Gary Barlow (Jake Simmance), Howard Donald (Liam Head), Mark Owen (Jesse Hyde), and Jason Orange (Chase Vollenweider). The second act chronicles his period of solo superstardom including his rocky relationship with Nicole Appleton (Raechelle Banno) of the girl group All Saints. (Their meet-cute scene is a highlight.) Booze and drugs overwhelm him - one wonders how Williams survived those years. The third portion of the film relates to his three concerts at Knebworth in August 2003 before 125,000 people and the impact it has on him as an individual and how it changes his relationship with his often-absent father.

Gracey's bracing style, which invites some interesting observations (such as whether sex scenes featuring Williams-as-a-chimp should be considered bestiality), gives the movie an edge that it never loses even after we have gotten used to the substitution. And the movie's unwillingness to soften the main character's rough edges or downplay his evident character flaws keeps the movie from descending into the hagiography hell where far too many of these films end up. Although it's likely that greater familiarity with the music will result in a stronger reaction to Better Man, the film is sufficiently well-made to attract a wider audience than those with a stack of Take That and Robbie Williams CDs in their closets.

© 2024 James Berardinelli

Synopsis

Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.

Playing At

• AMC Antioch 8
  901 Bell Road, Antioch, TN