The upcoming musical biopic 'Better Man' showcases the life of British pop star Robbie Williams in a unique format, where he is portrayed by a CGI monkey. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film aims to provide a fresh perspective on the traditional musical biopic by visualizing Williams' self-view as less evolved. The film features voice and motion capture by Jonno Davies, with Williams providing the singing voice for his primate counterpart. 'Better Man' is set to have a limited release on Christmas Day, followed by a wider release in January.
In an innovative approach to storytelling, 'Better Man,' a musical biopic directed by Michael Gracey, presents the life of Robbie Williams through the eyes of a CGI monkey. This unusual portrayal stems from Williams' own perception of himself as less evolved, which has been creatively interpreted in the film. The movie covers Williams' rise to fame, his challenges with success, and his ultimate resurgence, all depicted through the character of a singing and performing monkey.
Michael Gracey, known for his work on 'The Greatest Showman,' brings another visually striking film with 'Better Man.' The decision to use a CGI monkey to represent Robbie Williams was inspired by Williams' description of himself feeling like a performing monkey dragged onto stage. This metaphorical visualization aims to offer a deeper, more relatable understanding of Williams' experiences in the entertainment industry. The film promises to blend spectacle with emotional depth, focusing on Williams' journey and the personal trials he faced at the height of his fame.
Jonno Davies plays the central role of the CGI monkey embodying Robbie Williams, with other notable cast members including Steve Pemberton and Raechelle Banno. The film was co-written by Gracey along with Simon Gleeson and Oliver Cole. 'Better Man' has garnered attention not only for its unique portrayal of its main character but also for its comprehensive look at the intricacies of fame. The production team aims to deliver a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, exploring the highs and lows of celebrity life.
The film debuted at the Telluride Film Festival, receiving mixed reviews. Critics highlighted the bold choice of the monkey portrayal, with some appreciating the metaphorical depth it added to the biopic genre. Audiences are curious about this unconventional approach, and the film industry is watching closely to see if this gamble pays off. The wider release in January will be a critical moment for 'Better Man,' determining whether this creative risk will resonate with a broader audience.
Robbie Williams' biopic 'Better Man' stands out with its unique portrayal of the singer as a CGI monkey, reflecting his own view of his persona and career. This creative choice by director Michael Gracey aims to provide a fresh perspective on the life of one of Britain's biggest pop stars. As the film approaches its wider release, it remains to be seen how audiences will react to this unconventional storytelling method.
"With your voice and that monkey, I am going to see you and relate to you in a way that is going to be more engaging than yet another musical biopic." - Michael Gracey