As a result of the movie I am sure he will gather some fans of his music along the way. I never knew him when he was in Take That & had never even heard of the band until I checked Robbie out after I had seen him for the first time on tv at the Knebworth gig & I have been a fan since then.

 

What a career he has had & continues to have , just amazing . I love what I have seen from the trailer & cannot wait to see the movie next year, it will look fabulous on the big screen. Paramount are doing a pretty good job with the promo , getting lots of interest on social media etc.

 

A script came over for the trailer ‘’My name is Robbie Williams. I WAS one of the biggest pop-stars on the planet’’

 

Well, I’m not ready to be past tense. So I changed that and I can argue a case, judging by the stadiums full of people that come to see me. That not many people can pull that kind of crowd.

 

 

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Edited October 4, 2024Oct 4 by Sydney11

So… Robbie Williams is a monkey?

 

Here’s a crazy stat: Robbie Williams has the third-most UK number one albums of any artist ever. It’s The Beatles, then The Rolling Stones, then Robbie Williams. Is that not just a little bit absolutely insane? Sorry Elvis. Sorry MJ. Sorry Swifties, Sheeran, Bowie. It’s Robbie on the podium.

 

You learn a thing like this, and a few others start to make more sense. Like the amount of hype there seems to be around Robbie’s new biopic, Better Man, a first trailer for which was released this week. The fella’s cultural footprint is larger than we think. And, upon closer examination, that footprint might also look a little… simian, in nature? Perhaps not actually the footprint of a fella at all? Perhaps…yes… it’s a monkey! Robbie Williams is literally played by a CGI monkey in his new film, which apart from that bizarre element seems to be a fairly straightforward biopic.

 

 

 

“I’ve always seen myself as a little less… evolved,” is the most we get by way of explanation from Williams himself in his voiceover for the trailer. Some big bold lettering explains that what we’re catching a glimpse of here is “An extraordinary journey that can’t be told in an ordinary way” – they may, intentionally or otherwise, be onto something here.

 

I’ve been genuinely unable to move for musical biopics over the last few years. But none of them, I don’t think, have sufficiently delved into the one great aspect of musical stardom that’s unknown to us mere mortals watching them – what it’s like to experience life so completely differently to everyone else. To be provably exceptional, in a way that we can't fully understand. You know what’s provably exceptional to humans? A monkey.

 

The film’s director Michael Gracey (he of Greatest Showman fame) explains in an accompanying promotional video that he got the idea when he hear Williams talking about “being dragged up on stage to perform like a monkey”, and decided the device of having Williams portrayed as a CGI monkey could be a way of showing him not as he’s seen by us, the audience, but as he’s seen by himself. “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,” he says. Shots fired. But if this gives us something different to Rocketman, Elvis, Bohemian Rhapsody, Back to Black, if it even just helps differentiate the film as much as possible from A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic that’s set to come out not too long after Better Man does, it’ll be a worthwhile move.

 

Not that there was ever any danger of Bob Dylan being portrayed as a monkey. That wouldn’t make sense. But it kind of makes sense for Robbie? He’s always been one to do things his own way. He split off from Take That not once, but twice. He’s really into UFOs and ghosts and all that sort of stuff, and he’s an ordained minister of the University of Life. He’s a little odd. He could also be completely accurately described as a cheeky… what? Well exactly. There we have it. If the monkey suit fits…

 

How successful the whole gimmick will be remains to be seen, but I’m sure plenty of people, compelled by the intensity of their own what-the-f***-is-this curiosity, will go along to find out.

 

This could prove to be a very astute piece of monkey business indeed.

 

 

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/robbi...s-biopic-monkey

Edited October 4, 2024Oct 4 by Sydney11

Better Man: Release date, Trailer, Robbie Williams as CGI Monkey?, plot, cast, & Everything we know About his Biopic

 

Get ready for a wild ride, as the trailer for Better Man, a highly imaginative biopic about British pop superstar Robbie Williams, has just dropped!

 

Directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, this film offers a unique twist by featuring Williams as a CGI monkey, captivating audiences with its bold and unexpected storytelling.

 

With Williams himself narrating the journey of his life—from his rise to fame in the boy band Take That to his record-breaking solo career—this film promises to showcase his incredible talent, signature wit, and indomitable spirit.

 

Curious about how this unconventional portrayal unfolds? As we delve deeper into the fascinating world of Better Man, you'll discover everything from the film's plot and character arcs to the stunning visuals that make it stand out. The unexpected choice of a monkey as a stand-in for Williams adds a layer of intrigue, making this a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.

 

Stay tuned as we'll continue to unveil more surprising insights and updates leading up to its release!

 

Release date & Where to Watch

Paramount Pictures will release the film in select theaters in the US and Canada and everywhere in Spain and Bulgaria on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Russia, New Zealand, Greece, Singapore, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro, Better Man will hit theaters on Dec. 26, 2024.

 

Better Man premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on Aug. 30, 2024, and was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 10, 2024.

 

PLOT

 

Better Man chronicles the true story of Robbie Williams, highlighting his meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film offers a unique perspective, capturing Williams’ wit and indomitable spirit.

 

The narrative traces Robbie's journey from his childhood to becoming the youngest member of the chart-topping boy band Take That, one of the most successful groups in UK history, with 12 No. 1 singles and over 14 million albums sold. After departing from the band in 1995, Williams embarked on a solo career, achieving seven more No. 1 hits and 13 No. 1 albums, six of which are among the U.K.'s top 100 best-selling records.

 

Despite his immense success, Williams faced significant challenges, including battles with mental health, obesity, self-esteem issues, alcoholism, and substance abuse. While US audiences may be less familiar with his music compared to contemporaries like the Spice Girls, Williams paved the way for future pop icons, earning him a lasting legacy in the music industry.

 

 

CAST

 

Robbie Williams as the voice of himself

Jonno Davies as the voice of young Robbie Williams

Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9) as Peter

Alison Steadman (Here We Go) as Betty

Damon Herriman (The Bikeriders) as Nigel Martin-Smith

Raechelle Banno (Home and Away) as Nicole Appleton

Anthony Hayes (Total Control) as Chris Briggs

Kate Mulvany (The Clearing) as Janet

Frazer Hadfield (Frayed) as Nate

Jake Simmance as Gary Barlow

Liam Head as Howard Donald

Jesse Hyde as Mark Owen

Chase Vollenweider as Jason Orange

Adam Tucker as Robbie’s Vocals

Chris Gun as Noel

Jack McMinn as Luke

Jamie Condon as Paparazzi Member

 

 

Official Trailer

In the trailer for Better Man, Robbie Williams addresses viewers, stating, "What's with the monkey? I'm one of the biggest pop stars in the world, but I've always seen myself as a little less evolved." While it appears to be a typical musical biopic, Williams is replaced by a "Planet of the Apes"-style monkey in every scene.

 

The trailer showcases Williams’ early life, depicting him as a monkey playing soccer, and highlights his performances to packed crowds, featuring a screeching ape with exaggerated features instead of the star himself.

 

Why is Robbie Williams a Monkey in Better Man?

 

Robbie Williams’ biopic, Better Man, is making headlines not just for its subject but for its unconventional choice to portray the iconic musician as a CGI monkey. This bold decision stems from a conversation between Williams and director Michael Gracey, who sought to capture Williams’ own self-perception. Gracey recalled asking Williams, "If you were an animal, how would you see yourself?" Williams had humorously described feeling like a "performing monkey" at times.

 

This inspired Gracey to depict Williams not as the public sees him but as he sees himself, believing that this unique approach would resonate more deeply with audiences. “With your voice and that monkey,” Gracey explained, “I am going to see you and relate to you in a way that is gonna be more engaging than yet another musical biopic.”

 

Jonno Davies will portray Williams through motion capture for the CGI character, with other actors handling the singing. While some may find the concept bizarre, it’s an intriguing choice that aims to differentiate Better Man from traditional musical biopics like Rocketman or Bohemian Rhapsody.

 

Gracey emphasized that the film aims to provide an extraordinary perspective on Williams’ life, suggesting that the monkey representation captures the essence of his experience, which is profoundly different from that of the average person. “An extraordinary journey that can’t be told in an ordinary way,” the trailer declares, hinting at a narrative that delves into the unique challenges of musical stardom.

 

Filming

 

Filming for Better Man was conducted at Docklands Studios in Melbourne during May and June 2022. Additionally, concert scenes from Robbie Williams' Live At The Albert show, held in 2001, were filmed at the Royal Albert Hall during his concerts on November 6 and 7, 2022. Members of the public were invited to attend these performances, donning evening dress for the occasion. Further filming also occurred in London in March 2023.

 

Behind the Scenes

 

Better Man is a satirical musical directed by Michael Gracey, known for his previous work on The Greatest Showman. Gracey, Simon Gleeson, and Oliver Cole co-wrote the screenplay. Paul Currie, Coco Xiaolu Ma, Jules Daly, and Craig McMahon produced the film.

 

The project was initially announced in February 2021, with funding support from the Australian government’s Producer Offset and Film Victoria’s incentive programs. Better Man will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Roadshow Films, while Rocket Science manages international sales.

 

https://www.technadu.com/better-man-release...-biopic/550733/

Edited October 4, 2024Oct 4 by Sydney11

So funny reading the comments on Twitter to see so many folk beating themselves up because they actually like the movie . Great mix of opinions so far, positive/negative & willing to be openminded until they see it . It's all good, they are talking about it ;)

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/mo...ast-1235957278/

 

Oscar Predictions via Feinberg Forecast: Scott’s Read of the Race as September Comes to a Close

 

You can see Robbie/Better Man 7 or 8 times in this early predictions.

Better Man (2024)

Rating - 9/10

 

Better Man has heart in spades, never losing itself in its near-absurd premise. Instead, the film always presents a sincere and intimate portrait of Robbie Williams.

 

Directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, and written by Gracey, Oliver Cole, and Simon Gleeson, Better Man pushes your idea of what a biopic can be. The film recounts Robbie Williams childhood, rise to fame, relationships, rehabilitation, and everything that happens in between. Only it does it with Robbie Williams, who plays himself, providing the voice for a monkey. Yes, in this film about a man’s life, he has agreed to be played by a CGI monkey. The creativity showcased in this choice is made deeper when you realize that its weirdness is never commented on in the film and is, instead, just how Williams sees himself.

 

The CGI work in Better Man is absolutely astounding. From the creative clothing to the changing hairstyles that replicate William’s aesthetic shifts throughout his career, and most importantly, the soulful eyes that amaze you, it all works. Initially, I thought I would describe the motion-capture and animation as something akin to the new Planet of the Apes franchise. But it’s more than that, thanks to the ever-changing wardrobe and style of this monkeyfied Robbie Williams played by Jonno Davies.

 

Better Man doesn’t escape the biopic formula, which keeps it from achieving perfection. That said, every time you start to lull into the expected, something happens to pull you out of it—like a big dance number. Gracey’s vision may seem like an attempt at shock, but Better Man recounts Robbie Williams’ life as he sees himself. And in that way, the dancing singing monkey was the right choice.

 

It also can’t be understated that the choice to make Williams a monkey, even with the film’s subject voicing himself for musical numbers and played by Davies outside those moments, allows audiences who may not know the pop star to connect. While I had heard “Angels” before the film, I didn’t really know who Williams was, his storied career, and his impact on European pop music as a whole. When we watched Williams and Gracey introduce the film, I felt a disconnect and wasn’t entirely sure that anything would click. But the monkey? That allowed me to map whoever I wanted into the story. That is until the film hit me like a truck in the second act.

 

 

As Williams begins to come to his revelations about his family, his life, and his future, it’s hard not to be pulled into the joy and the tragedy. Better Man is a deeply intimate story in which Williams chooses to lay himself bare. He has opened his heart and allowed us to see his joy, love, trauma, regret, and grief. We see his mistakes unobscured from a glittering filter of stardom.

 

Williams was deeply involved in the creative process behind the film, and ultimately, it would have been easy to paint him as a triumphant person. In some ways, his resiliency is on full display, but he also shares the deeply unlikable parts of himself. There are points throughout the film where you just can’t root for him, even with his pain glimmering under the surface. It’s that vulnerability and unrestrained display of Williams’ demons and battle with suicidal thoughts that keeps you engaged. There is always more to Williams, and his willingness to let us in has to be rewarded by not looking away.

 

 

In all honesty, Better Man is a film I don’t think I would have chosen to watch. However, I gave it a chance since it screened as part of Fantastic Fest’s Secret Screening programming. Despite not knowing Robbie Williams’ work, I let it wash over me. And it was one of the best cinematic experiences of the festival.

 

Better Man has heart in spades, never losing itself in its near-absurd premise. Instead, the film always presents a sincere and intimate portrait of Robbie Williams. It evokes the showmanship that Williams is known for, that Gracey is known for, and always delivers. Beautiful and always entertaining, Better Man deserves your immediate attention.

 

 

Better Man screened as a part of Fantastic Fest 2024 and is scheduled to release in 2025.

 

https://butwhytho.net/2024/09/better-man-20...obbie-williams/

Edited October 15, 2024Oct 15 by Sydney11

I’ve been encouraged by the positive critic reviews but the repeated refrain of, basically, ‘he’s an asshole’ is starting to worry me.

 

The thing I have noticed about Rob is that he is his own harshest critic. I am starting to think that the idea of telling his story

from his perspective is not such a great idea if that means the focus is entirely on his flaws and foibles.

 

 

 

 

As a stand alone movie I think it will do very well, the timing is great & I think a lot of people will go to see it after Christmas . It's a great story line, happens to be true & by all accounts so far people like it

 

Robbie always knocks himself , a bit like James Blunt does, I guess it's a self protection mechanism.

Cute bear :)

 

@1848496565750505510

@1848759114228236587

Makes me smile when I see those who have seen Better Man being so accepting of Robbie being portrayed as a monkey , is it because we are so closely related given that Human DNA is, on average, 96% identical to the DNA of our most distant primate relatives, and nearly 99% identical to our closest relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos. Do they easily feel that connection :P

 

 

@1849197535115784301

Edited October 24, 2024Oct 24 by Sydney11

@1849207327716675647

@1849749728826642551

Better Man is a remarkable thing, an independently financed, six-years-in-the-making story that feels worthy of being told…and like its peers Piece by Piece and Kneecap (two other excellent films that deserve your attention), it’s opened me up to new music while also treating me to the life story of an artist I never would have known if not for their silver screen debuts. I will be rushing back to the theater at the end of the year to experience Robbie’s story again, to hear his songs, and to feel the passion of his catharsis.

 

https://knockonwoodfilm.com/2024/10/26/bett...formula-review/

Edited October 26, 2024Oct 26 by Sydney11

@1851635192546447818

So I do like the poster :)

How brilliant is that poster? Right down to the scar in his hairline? :cheer:

I LOVE it.

 

I hope RW Fanfest don't mind my using their comparison photo.

 

Even the blonde lady in the background is still in shot. Bloody brilliant. B-)