It’s no surprise that one of the UK’s most prolific talents, harbouring 18 Brit Awards, 13 No 1 ranked studio albums, and at one point, the all-time record holder for attendance at a UK concert, finally has a feature film biopic made about their life. But of course, in the classic, cheeky showmanship style of Robbie Williams, Better Man could not have just been your stock-standard tale of the highs and lows of being a rockstar. That’s why Robbie Williams, in this film, is portrayed as the thing he’s seen himself as his whole life… a monkey.

 

Utilising the outstanding visual effects team from WETA Workshop (whose extensive work includes the most recent Planet of the Apes series), actor Jonno Davies transforms himself into the primate portrayal of Williams, who self-narrates his own story covering his entire life until now. From the dysfunctional relationship with his fame-driven father, the adoration of his grandmother, breakout success with Take That, and the contrasts between being a breakout superstar with addiction and mental health issues, Better Man is one of the rare biopics that genuinely feels like a “warts and all” approach to its subjects life, unlike other musician biopics of the last decade.

 

Similar to the Elton John musical-biopic Rocketman, which utilised John’s existing discography within the film, writer/director Michael Gracey (who’s previous film was the box-office smash-hit, The Greatest Showman), along with fellow screenwriters Simon Gleeson and Oliver Cole, have recontextualised many of Williams’ most popular songs (of which the artist also re-recorded new versions of each song to tonally fit the film) to guide the audience through the narrative of his life; “Come Undone”, arguably Williams’ most emotional raw and self-critical song, plays at the pivotal point in his life where he pursues a solo career and begins experiencing severe depression; “She’s The One” is sensationally used when Williams meets his first true love, All Saints’ singer Nicole Appleton; “Better Man” takes on so much more emotional weight as the lyrics play over the film's climactic moments.

 

However, it’s not all heavy emotional drama that is felt through the songs and themes of the film. That cheeky, incredibly energetic stage presence that Williams has showcased throughout his career is just as prevalent through exciting, show stopping numbers. The best of which being an extraordinary one-shot number which has Robbie and his Take That bandmates joyfully parading through the busy streets of London to the banger anthem, “Rock DJ”.

 

It’s Gracey’s ability to balance the serious, self reflective tone with that infectious energy, both of which are defining characteristics of Williams as a person and artist, that is a testament to how great Better Man is. The authenticity and openness that is on screen as Williams story, personal pitfalls and rockstar highs and all, plays out truly allows the audience to connect with him on a personal level, and not be kept at arm’s length like other celebrities may prefer when their time for a musical biopic arrives.