Released in limited theaters on Christmas 2024,Better Manis one of themost ambitious docudramasof its kind. The lofty $110 million production charts the life and career of famous British pop star Robbie Williams, employing the cutting-edge Weta digital FX to represent Williams as a tuxedo-dressed monkey. While jarring and hard to accept from the onset, the creative inspiration makes logical sense by channeling Williams' psychological state as he reflects on his past.
As Williams' fans ponder venturing to cinemas to watchBetter Man, detailing the bizarre choice to represent the beloved pop singer as an anthropomorphic monkey will foster a better understanding of the movie’s message. Far from just a silly audiovisual gimmick, here’s how the movie came about and whyBetter Manexcels due to, not despite, depicting Robbie Williams as aPlanet of the Apes-like primate.
Better Man
‘Better Man’ Charts the Epic Highs and Lows of Robbie Williams' Career
Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) directedBetter Manfrom a screenplay he co-wrote with Oliver Cole and Simon Gleeson.The unconventional music docudramacharts the epic rise and tragic fallof Robbie Williams, the British pop star behind such albums asLife Thru a Lens,I’ve Been Expecting You,Escapology,Intensive Care,Reality Killed the Video Star,Take the Crown,The Christmas Present,and more.
Better Manwas developed following an 18-month interview process between Gracey and Williams. The interviews were not initially meant to be part of the movie, but Gracey felt it was important for audiences to hear Williams tell his story in his own distinct voice.Most of William’s narration inBetter Manwas lifted verbatim from the intimate one-on-one interviews, giving fans a rare glimpse into the pop star’s psyche.
As seen in the provocative posters,Williams assumes an apelike visage in the film. The poster also recreates the album cover of Williams' 1997 solo debut album,Life Thru a Lens, commenting on his life in the public eye. In creating the monkey, Gracey turned to Weta Digital, the state-of-the-art FX company known forPlanet of the Apes, Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and other monumental blockbuster movies.The result is a fresh, unique, wildly immersive experience with symbolic weight.
‘Better Man’s Development, Explained
Better Mancovers three decades in Williams’ career, using fanciful visual flourishes to satirize the music industry, including Williams' pre-solo stint in the duo act Take That and a potential reunion. Discussing the odd choice to represent himself as a monkey in the film, Williams described the process toThe Times:
“Super odd. Sat in make-up and the lady that’s playing your grandma is sitting next to you, and the people playing your mum and dad.”
While Williams narrates the adult version of his character,English actor Jonno Davies (Hunters) voices his younger version. Davies also performed in a motion-capture suit to bring the monkey’s lifelike performance to reality. Between Davies' distinct physical command and Williams' familiar voice, Gracey brilliantly combined them into one seamless performance thanks to Weta’s VFX contributions.
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Regarding the music heard in the film, Williams recorded new versions of such hits as “Angels,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “She’s The One.” According toGracey via NME,Williams “re-sung” the hits to better fit “the emotional moment in the film.“Williams also recorded a new song for the soundtrack titled “Forbidden Road,” which was recently nominated for Best Original Song at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards.
Why ‘Better Man’s Monkey Metaphor is a Brilliant Choice
At first glance, the choice to represent Williams as a monkey seems like a novelty gimmick. Yet, as the film unfolds, it becomes clear thatit was a deliberate symbolic choice to underscore Williams’ experience in the limelight and the psychological tumult it has caused.
The term “Monkey Suit” often refers to a tuxedo worn by those in show business or the public eyewho feel forced to perform, like circus animals, in front of rabid onlookers. Williams has famously described himself as a “Performing Monkey” during press interviews. Therefore, when Williams appears in a tux on theBetter Manposters, a clear visual clue connects the thematic symbolism.
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In exploring the chasm between how Williams views himself and how he is perceived publicly,Better Manallows the singer to tap into his vulnerabilities and express his feelings being exploited for entertainment. Feeling as though he must constantly keep up appearances as a public performer,the monkey represents how he has lost his sense of humanity over the past three decades. Williams wants to dissociate his true self from his public image, and the monkey distinguishes between his voice and his appearance to crystallize that very point.Once the film ends, Williams' loneliness, isolation, alienation, and existential emptiness become hauntingly clear.
Past the monkey as a metaphor for Williams' mental state, the striking CGI renderings mark a refreshing and much-needed departure from the stale biopic formula.With a new music biography or documentaryseemingly released each year,Better Manseparates itself from the pack by boldly using CGI to satirize the music industry. If nothing else,Better Manis a big, ambitious swingthat honors and cautions life in the public eye.Better Manis playing in select cinemas.
