Robbie Williams has always been synonymous with entertainment, and his new biopic Better Man encapsulates that very essence. Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film blends humor, drama, and outlandish creativity to chronicle Williams’ life — from a troubled teen in Stoke-on-Trent, England, to a global pop sensation battling personal demons.
“I came out of the womb with jazz hands,” Williams quips in the film’s opening. “Which was very painful for my mum.” This line sets the tone for the two-hour-plus journey through his highs and lows, narrated and produced by the pop star himself.
A Monkey as a Muse
One of the film’s boldest choices is to portray Williams as a CGI monkey — a representation of how he sees himself. “I want to show you how I really see myself,” Williams says early on, offering a glimpse into the psyche of a man who has often described himself as a performer above all else.
Gracey explains this unique decision came from hours of interviews where Williams likened himself to a “monkey sent out to entertain the masses.” The visual metaphor is central to the narrative, exploring the darker side of fame and self-perception.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
The story begins in 1982, with a young Robert Williams struggling in school and finding solace in cabaret. Inspired by his father’s performances, Williams discovered his calling. By age 15, he joined the boy band Take That, where he found instant fame.
One of the film’s most dazzling sequences, set to Williams’ hit “Rock DJ,” showcases the band’s rise to stardom. Filmed on London’s Regent Street with over 500 extras, it’s a spectacle of choreography, pogo sticks, and flash mobs, capturing the band’s meteoric ascent.
Battling Demons and Triumphs
While the fame was exhilarating, it came at a cost. Williams struggled with depression, substance abuse, and the pressures of being in the public eye. After leaving Take That, he was determined to succeed as a solo artist, and he did — achieving monumental success, including a legendary performance at Knebworth Festival for 375,000 fans.
Gracey uses fantastical imagery to depict Williams’ internal battles, including a medieval-style combat between the singer and his “demon” versions. These artistic flourishes make Better Man stand out, though they occasionally veer into indulgence.
A Life Lived to Entertain
At its core, Better Man is a celebration of Williams’ unyielding drive to entertain. Whether through heartfelt musical numbers, dramatic storytelling, or moments of self-reflection, the film captures the essence of a man who defied the odds to carve his place in music history.
The Verdict
Better Man, a Paramount release, is rated R for drug use, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity, and some violent content. It runs 135 minutes and earns three stars out of four for its audacious approach and unwavering commitment to entertaining its audience — much like Robbie Williams himself.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
