The Curious Case of a $110 Million CGI Monkey: Robbie Williams’ “Better Man” Takes an Unexpected Dive

In the continuously changing realm of musical biopics, directors often face the challenge of being unique. “Better Man,” directed by Michael Gracey, famed for “The Greatest Showman,” pushes creative boundaries. With a hefty budget of $110 million from Paramount Pictures, the film introduces Robbie Williams not in human form, but as a completely CGI-rendered monkey. This bizarre concept leads to a colorful mix of bold ideas, innovative visuals, and perplexing storytelling decisions.

A Visual Delight with Emotion
Ultimately, “Better Man” goes beyond merely chronicling Williams’ rise to fame and subsequent struggles; it serves as a reflection on identity and celebrity. The character of Williams, portrayed by Jonno Davies via motion capture, is brought to life with advanced animation from Weta FX, showcasing a strikingly realistic primate version. Through this surreal lens, it captures the intense pressures associated with fame, spanning his beginnings with Take That to his solo success.

The film excels visually, transforming Williams’ popular songs into stunning performances reminiscent of Bob Fosse’s choreography. Gracey’s knack for extravagant visuals is particularly evident in scenes like “Angels,” where the CGI monkey sings through a mesmerizing cascade of lights and sounds. However, using a monkey as the main character creates a peculiar imbalance, frequently detracting from the film’s emotional essence.

A Journey with Contrasts
Spanning 134 minutes, “Better Man” navigates between moments of brilliance and periods of sluggishness. The first act is vibrant, introducing a youthful Williams wrestling with anxiety and the obligations of being in the limelight. However, as it delves into his struggles with addiction and mental health issues, the tale becomes bogged down by standard biopic elements. What started as an adventurous creative approach shifts into a distracting quirk due to the CGI representation.

The supporting cast remains human, which provokes interesting reflections on narrative perspective but falls short of a thorough exploration. Jonno Davies merits recognition for his nuanced portrayal, capturing Williams’ charisma, fragility, and grand persona. Still, the choice to depict him as a monkey sometimes diminishes the significance of his challenges.

Box Office Challenges and Critical Reception
Debuting on Christmas Day, the film has managed to earn only $100,000, a disappointing outcome for such a high-budget project. As a broader release approaches on January 17, there are hopes it will connect with audiences. However, lukewarm reviews and a lack of award attention signal a difficult road ahead.

Despite its shortcomings, “Better Man” merits acknowledgment for its boldness. At a time when many films play it safe, it seeks to push boundaries, even if its execution is uneven.

“Better Man” is a remarkable blend: creatively ambitious yet narratively awkward, visually captivating yet lacking emotional depth. Though it may not become a classic in the musical biopic genre, it highlights the risks filmmakers are willing to embrace to redefine cinema. Whether it resonates with audiences or not, “Better Man” presents a unique and memorable movie experience.

Personal Thoughts
“Better Man” left me with mixed feelings. Its artistic vision is unmistakable, and I commend its innovative approach. However, representing Robbie Williams as a CGI monkey seemed like an inventive notion stretched too far. The film aims for courage but often falters under its own quirkiness. Nevertheless, despite its weaknesses, it ignites discussion—a rarity in today’s film world.

What are your thoughts about “Better Man’s” daring choice to feature a CGI monkey? Can such ambitious endeavors reshape the biopic genre, or do they risk detaching viewers? Share your opinions below!