Robbie Williams' biopic 'Better Man' depicts him as a CGI monkey while exploring his life's highs and lows [TRAILER]

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Image: Paramount Pictures

 

British pop sensation Robbie Williams is no stranger to bold choices, but his upcoming biopic, Better Man, takes things to a whole new level. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, this film promises to be an imaginative rollercoaster ride through Williams' extraordinary life and career.

 

The recently released teaser trailer offers a glimpse into this surreal world where Williams, voiced by the man himself, appears as a primate. This creative choice isn't just a gimmick; it's a reflection of the singer's self-deprecating humor and his unique perspective on his role as an entertainer. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Gracey revealed that the concept stemmed from Williams' own view of himself as a performer—akin to a monkey entertaining the masses.

Better Man charts the 50-year-old's remarkable journey from his early days as the youngest member of the chart-topping boy band Take That to his massively successful solo career. The film doesn't hold back from exploring the darker sides of Williams' fame, reportedly tackling his struggles with substance abuse and controversial behavior head-on.

 

The innovative use of motion capture technology brings this simian version of the singer to life, with actor Jonno Davies providing the physical performance and Williams himself lending his distinctive voice. This fusion of animation and live performance crafts a compelling and imaginative portrayal, offering a fresh perspective on Williams' journey. The cast also includes Steve Pemberton, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, and Kate Mulvany.

 

The British singer's career speaks for itself —with 11 out of 12 studio albums topping the UK charts and a record-breaking 13 Brit Awards to his name, making him one of the most successful solo artists of all time. The film aims to capture the essence of this success story while offering a fresh and thought-provoking take on the traditional biopic format.

 

Already making waves at prestigious film festivals like Telluride and Toronto, Better Man has garnered positive reviews from critics. The film is set for a limited theatrical release on December 25, followed by a wider release on January 17.

 

 

Williams' life has been a tapestry of contrasts, with soaring successes and profound struggles. The decision to portray him as a CGI monkey serves as a metaphor for his evolution as an artist and person. As Better Man swings into theaters, audiences will embark on a wild ride through the life of one of pop's most enigmatic figures. Which aspects of Williams' journey are you most excited to see unfold through this unique cinematic lens? 

 

• https://www.stereogum.com/2282768/watch-the-trailer-for-the-robbie-williams-biopic-starring-a-cgi-monkey/news/
• https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/02/better-man-see-robbie-williams-as-a-cgi-monkey-in-first-trailer-for-biopic
• https://deadline.com/video/better-man-teaser-robbie-williams-biopic/
• https://ew.com/better-man-trailer-robbie-williams-biopic-motion-capture-monkey-8721689