The highly anticipated trailer for Better Man, a distinct biopic about renowned British pop star Robbie Williams, has just been released, and it promises to be a revelation. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, this film takes an original twist by portraying Williams not as a human but as a lifelike monkey. The talented team at Weta VFX has crafted this transformation, enriching Williams’ narrative, which details his ascent to fame, struggles, and ultimate resurgence in an unconventional manner.
Better Man sets itself apart from ordinary music biopics. It chronicles Williams’ journey from his modest beginnings to achieving fame with the boyband Take That, and later, his successful solo career that lifted him to the peak of pop music. Gracey’s vision emphasizes the immense pressures that shaped Williams as an artist and a person. The decision to feature Williams as a monkey symbolizes his view of fame, likely reflecting themes of loneliness, lack of control, and the incessant scrutiny of public life.
Having premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in 2024, the film has garnered positive initial feedback, with viewers describing it as “wild” and “captivating.” The trailer hints at a visually breathtaking film that balances emotional resonance with surreal, CGI-enhanced storytelling.
Alongside the animated portrayal of Williams, Better Man features a skilled cast, including Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, and Raechelle Banno. The screenplay, written by Gracey, Simon Gleeson, and Oliver Cole, intertwines facts and fiction, allowing audiences to engage with Williams’ life through a lens that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
With a limited theatrical release set for December 25, 2024, followed by a wider release on January 17, 2025, Paramount Pictures aims to attract both die-hard fans of Williams’ music and those drawn to its unique cinematic style.
Better Man Poster
This innovative choice to depict Robbie Williams as a monkey is bold, capturing the unpredictable nature of his life and career. It adds depth to his story by using visual symbolism to enhance the narrative, possibly reflecting how he perceives his existence within the often dehumanizing world of entertainment. For both fans of Williams and those who appreciate inventive filmmaking, this biopic is poised to offer a novel and captivating experience that may redefine the boundaries of biographical storytelling.
Are you intrigued by the idea of a biopic that presents its protagonist in such a unique way? Would you prefer a traditional depiction instead?
Better Man Trailer
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