The official trailer for Better Man, the unique biopic about British pop icon Robbie Williams, has finally dropped, and fans are in for a surprise. Directed by The Greatest Showman's Michael Gracey, this film offers an unconventional approach to Williams' life, casting him not in human form but as a photorealistic monkey! Created with the expertise of Weta VFX, the transformation adds an intriguing layer to Williams' story, capturing his rise to stardom, fall from grace, and eventual comeback in a way that's anything but ordinary.
Better Man isn't your typical music biopic. It's a journey from Williams' humble beginnings to boyband fame with Take That, and later, his solo career that skyrocketed him into pop stardom. Gracey's vision shows the intense pressure that shaped Williams as both an entertainer and an individual. Featuring Williams as a monkey symbolizes his perspective on fame, likely representing feelings of isolation, control, and the constant spectacle of public life.
Premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in 2024, the film received positive early reviews, with audiences calling it both “wild” and “captivating.” The trailer suggests a visually stunning experience, combining emotional depth with surreal, CGI-driven storytelling.
Alongside the animated Williams, Better Man boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, and Raechelle Banno. Written by Gracey, Simon Gleeson, and Oliver Cole, the film mixes fact with fiction, letting audiences experience Williams' story through a lens that's as entertaining as it is introspective.
Paramount Pictures plans a limited release for Better Man on December 25, 2024, before its nationwide rollout on January 17, 2025. With this quirky yet promising approach, the film hopes to captivate audiences who are familiar with Williams' music as well as newcomers drawn to its cinematic appeal.
Better Man Poster
The decision to portray Robbie Williams as a monkey is daring, reflecting the risks inherent in Williams' career and life choices. It adds layers to his story, using visual metaphor to enhance the narrative and perhaps convey how he views himself within the relentless, sometimes dehumanizing entertainment industry. For fans of both Williams and innovative filmmaking, this biopic promises to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that might set a precedent for creative liberties in biographical films.
Would you watch a biopic that reimagines its main character in an unconventional way? Does this approach intrigue you, or do you prefer a more traditional story?
