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Better Man (2024): A Battle for Fame, Forgiveness, and AcceptanceTavia Millward 9 hours ago4 min read "Dance for me, monkey, dance." A cruel demand, a metaphor, and the essence of Better Man(2024) - a surreal biopic where fame isn't just a stage but a battleground. Over two hours Robbie Williams wrestles with addiction, self-doubt, and acceptance - culminating in a mind-blowing CGI fight that feels more like a Planet of the Apes than a pop star redemption. Robbie Williams (Jonno Davies) is not just another troubled musician in a UK biopic—he’s a performer trapped in a relentless act, always on stage, even when no one's watching. The film introduces us to young Robbie, bonding with his father, Peter (Steve Pemberton), over Frank Sinatra songs. Their shared love of performance is the foundation of Robbie’s dreams, but when his father abruptly leaves, it plants the first seed of abandonment that will haunt him for years. Teenage Robbie, craving validation, flunks school and throws himself into the spotlight, auditioning for a boy band. He’s brash, reckless, and desperate to prove himself. His talent gets him through the door, but even as he rises to fame, he remains the outsider—never fully accepted by his bandmates, never truly belonging. Fame gives him everything, yet nothing he needs. Betty (Alison Steadman) and Young Robbie (Carter-J Murphy) As the years pass, Robbie leans into the chaos, drinking excessively and spiralling into drug addiction. His departure from the band isn't just a career shift—it’s another rejection, reinforcing his deepest fears: he isn’t good enough, he isn’t wanted, and no one sees his true potential. The voices in his head—the ones we all have—grow louder, feeding his insecurities. And just as he reaches rock bottom, his estranged father suddenly returns, eager to manage his now-famous son. But is it love, or is it business? Peter ignores the addiction, the crumbling relationships, and the wreckage of his son’s life. As long as Robbie keeps performing and dancing like the monkey everyone expects him to be, the show must continue. It all leads to Wembley Stadium, the biggest concert of his life, and his final reckoning. The film takes a surreal turn as Robbie, during his performance, is confronted by physical manifestations of his self-doubt, addiction, and childhood trauma. In a jaw-dropping CGI sequence, he fights distorted versions of himself—each one a different era, a different failure, a different voice whispering that he’ll never be enough. Robbie Williams (Jonno Davies) performing live It’s one of the most unexpected moments in any musical biopic—a sequence that blends Black Swan levels of psychological horror with Planet of the Apes intensity. But this isn’t just about spectacle; it’s the emotional climax of his story. For the first time, Robbie doesn’t try to drown out his demons with alcohol or applause—he faces them head-on, tearing them apart one by one. And when the dust settles, he’s left with the one part of himself he’s avoided for so long: his inner child. Robbie enters rehab, reconciles with his past relationships, and makes amends—not just to others, but to himself. His journey isn’t wrapped up in a neat bow, but it doesn’t have to be. The final scene is a quiet, full-circle moment: Robbie at his grandmother’s grave, watching telly, just as they used to. No audience, stage, or performance—just Robbie, finally at peace. In the end, Better Man is about more than the highs and lows of fame. It’s about the long road to self-acceptance, the weight of childhood wounds, and the power of forgiveness—not just of others, but of oneself. Robbie doesn’t just return to music; he reclaims it. And when he finally sings cabaret with his father in front of a crowd, it’s no longer for validation—it’s a choice, a moment of closure, and maybe, just maybe, a step toward something real. Behind the Scenes of Better Man: A CGI Masterclass in Musical Storytelling Blending CGI with a musical biopic is an ambitious feat, but Better Man pushes the boundaries of digital storytelling, transforming an intimate tale of fame and self-destruction into a visually striking spectacle. Unlike traditional CGI-heavy blockbusters, where effects serve as external world-building, the visual effects in Better Man are entirely psychological, illustrating Robbie Williams’ internal struggles through surreal, hyper-stylized imagery. From seamless motion capture to integrating digital doubles in emotionally charged performances, the production team faced the unique challenge of merging the expressive physicality of a musical with the weightlessness of CGI—a task rarely attempted in this genre. One of the film’s most technically demanding sequences—the climactic battle between Robbie and his fragmented selves—required months of pre-visualization, choreography, and cutting-edge performance capture. Each version of Robbie, from the young boy dreaming of stardom to the jaded rockstar drowning in excess, was played by lead actor Jonno Davies, digitally manipulated to interact with his other personas in real time. Unlike action films that rely on stunt doubles, Better Man demanded that every movement be emotionally grounded, meaning Davies had to fight versions of himself while maintaining the authenticity of a stage performer. The challenge was to ensure that the spectacle did not overshadow the raw vulnerability of the scene—an achievement that speaks to both the film’s technological advancements and Davies' acting prowess. To bring musicality to the CGI-heavy sequences, the filmmakers developed a groundbreaking motion-sync system that mapped body movement to the film’s soundtrack, ensuring a natural rhythm in every digitally enhanced scene. This was particularly crucial for the concert sequences, where Robbie’s performances had to blend live-action choreography with digital augmentation. Every camera move, lighting cue, and digital enhancement was meticulously planned to maintain the feeling of a live concert while allowing for seamless transitions into heightened, dreamlike moments. By engineering a post-production pipeline that prioritized organic movement over artificial perfection, Better Man sets a new standard for integrating digital effects into musical storytelling. Perhaps the greatest triumph of Better Man is how it uses CGI not as a gimmick but as an emotional tool—elevating the film’s themes of fame, identity, and redemption. The film doesn’t just show Robbie battling his demons; it immerses the audience in the disorienting, hyper-real world of his fractured psyche. This fusion of technology and emotion transforms the biopic genre, proving that visual effects can be as powerful in conveying human vulnerability as they are in crafting fantasy landscapes. For actors, filmmakers, and cinephiles alike, Better Man is a masterclass in how innovation can serve storytelling, redefining what’s possible when artistry and technology collide. Better Man (2024): A Battle for Fame, Forgiveness, and Acceptance https://www.millhousemoviemoments.com/

Coffee, Tea & Sympathy Handsome Man Heaven From Here King Of Bloke & Bird Knutsford City Limits Me & My Monkey Phoenix From The Flames Revolution Sensational The Trouble With Me & as an add-on favourite Toxic 😊

robbiewilliams Hail Keanu Integritas Et Cacas It’s Mensch Monday, and what a treat we have for you today Cuddle Clubbers. Take a bow Lucciano lucky_lucciano13 If He puts a smile on your face go and tell him, I’m off to his comment section to show him a bit of love. If he doesn’t put a smile on your face, I actually don’t think you’re alive. Much love, Robert Namaste FFS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGu3qPMt_rY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

& the Winner is : Achievement in visual effects Pop Culture Happy Hour'Dune: Part Two' nails the dismount in the conclusion(?) of the sweeping sci-fi sagaWINNER: Dune: Part Two Alien: Romulus Better Man Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Wicked Oscars 2025: The complete winners list : NPR

Alex. Have you been able to copy over from Twitter !

I still have not given up on Rob appearing at The Oscars , He posted a video on Instagram where at the end he says he is at the other side of the world, Looks like he was on a plane when he made that video so maybe it's LA, then again it could be anywhere in the world 😂 Or else Tim Metcalfes wedding in OZ 😎 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGsUDRvNIcG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

4K/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital News Robbie Williams’ “Better Man” Arrives On Digital February 11 And On 4K Ultra HD™/Blu-ray™ Combo & DVD May 13Irish Film CriticUpdated on February 10, 2025Leave a Commenton Robbie Williams’ “Better Man” Arrives On Digital February 11 And On 4K Ultra HD™/Blu-ray™ Combo & DVD May 13 Experience the critically acclaimed and wildly entertaining musical spectacle “Better Man,” arriving to purchase or rent on Digital February 11th from Paramount Home Entertainment. The film will arrive in a 4K Ultra HD™/Blu-ray™ Combo as part of the Paramount Presents line on May 13th and will also be available on DVD. From Michael Gracey, the visionary director of “The Greatest Showman,” “Better Man” has been embraced by both critics and audiences, becoming Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes®, receiving a tremendous 90% audience score, and earning an Academy Award® nomination for Best Visual Effects. Hailed as “wildly inventive” (Pete Hammond, Deadline), “jaw-dropping” (Peter Debruge, Variety), and “deliriously entertaining” (Chris Bumbray, JoBlo), “Better Man” “absolutely sizzles from start to finish” (Perri Nemiroff, Collider). Fans who purchase “Better Man” on Digital* or 4K Ultra HD™ will have access to over 45 minutes of behind-the-scenes bonus content featuring director Michael Gracey and star Robbie Williams, as well as the Oscar®-nominated team behind the spectacular visual effects. Bonus Features: Let Me Entertain You: The Making of Better Man: Director Michael Gracey and star Robbie Williams provide an in-depth look behind the vision and production of the film with additional insight from the cast and crew. Monkey Business: The VFX: Meet the visual effects team of Wētā FX as they delve into the process of using cutting-edge technology to bring Better Man to life. SYNOPSIS “Better Man” is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (“The Greatest Showman”), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist, all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring. “Better Man” is rated R for drug use, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity, and some violent content. Available on Digital February 11th, and on 4K Ultra HD™/Blu-ray™ Combo and DVD May 13th Robbie Williams’ “Better Man” Arrives On Digital February 11 And On 4K Ultra HD™/Blu-ray™ Combo & DVD May 13 - Irish Film Critic

https://www.facebook.com/groups/iresimpsonsfans/ Came across this ☺️

I agree 100% . It's just not the cost of the ticket for those of us not close to a venue , there are travel costs plus hotels etc which are extremely expensive these days . I cannot make it this time for a number of reasons, the last time I saw Robbie live was London last year with Laura & Lisa , he sang Advertising Space there which was lovely to hear , he needs to mix it up a bit as I will not keep going back to hear the same songs over & over again . I think we need to petition him on Instagram or Karl who is his musical director 🫢 My favourite tour to date was Take The Crown & my favourite venue was the O2 in London where the stage was in the round , it just had everything Karma Killer // 2012-11-22 Robbie Williams, O2 Arena, London // Strangeloving - YouTube

brit much BRITs viewers horrified as Robbie Williams’ chimp ‘snorts drugs’ live on screen during shock skitFans were quick to react on social media, with many in disbelief over what they had just witnessed Callum Wells, Showbiz Reporter Published: 22:30, 1 Mar 2025 BRIT Awards viewers were left horrified after Robbie Williams’ famous chimp appeared to ‘snort drugs’ live on air during a chaotic skit. The unexpected moment came as part of a comedy segment featuring the primate from Better Man, the Angels singer's biopic. the primate from Better Man, the Angels singer's biopic. BRIT Awards viewers were left horrified after Robbie Williams’ famous chimp appeared to ‘snort drugs’ live on airCredit: ITV Host Jack Whitehall poked fun at Robbie's previous struggles with drug addictionCredit: ITV# Host Jack Whitehall, 36, had poked fun at Robbie's previous struggles with drug and alcohol addiction as he introduced Myles Smith's performance. The comedian made a series of quips about the hitmaker sending his mascot to events he didn’t want to attend, with a man in the chimp costume emulating drinking bottles of Champagne and taking drugs. He said: "Oh no, sorry, that's the monkey from Better Man. I had heard Robbie has been sending the monkey to quite a lot of events he can't be a***d with. "Last week it did Loose Women, Jonathan Wilkes' birthday and date night with Ayda [Field]. I've also heard, unfortunately, that monkey has gone off the rails a bit since it got famous." The scene escalated as he continued: "It was chucked off the ITV2 show earlier for snorting a line of PG Tips and chimping Ella Henderson. "And I don’t even want to talk about the videos I saw of it on that night out with David Coote," he added of the referee's cocaine scandal. Fans were quick to react on social media, with many in disbelief over what they had just witnessed. One user wrote: "The f*****g monkey doing a line," along with a skull emoji. Robbie previously revealed why he's played by a chimp in the film, telling the BBC: "Quite often, Rob will say, 'I'm just like a performing monkey,' or, 'I'm up the back like a performing monkey.' "It just sparked this idea of, we've got this chance to tell this story, not from the perspective of how we see Rob, but how he sees himself." Having initially planned to play the monkey himself, Robbie explained why he changed his mind. He said: "I was going to, but it involved me leaving my family for loads and loads of months. And the thought of that was just too much for me to bear." Robbie has long been open about his addiction battles. 6Host Jack Whitehall poked fun at Robbie's previous struggles with drug and alcohol addictionCredit: Getty Robbie was played by a chimp in the filmCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk The Take That star previously told The Sun he was so high on drugs the first evening he spent with future wife Ayda at a party he was in a Jacuzzi “clucking like a chicken”. But instead of heading for the hills, she moved in with him for three weeks to nurse him. Robbie told the story in his 2017 book, Reveal. The musical icon also talked about his issues with anxiety, weight, stage fright and addiction. The book details how, at different times, he was taking morphine, Adderall (used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD), Vicodin (pain killer) speed, Seroquel (used for treating schizophrenia) and cocaine combined, magic mushrooms and “a few more things”. He turned to drugs and “sat on a sofa, ate potato chips and chocolate, got fat and grew a beard”. A friend thought it would be a good idea for Robbie to hook up with mutual friend and actress Ayda Field, now a presenter on Loose Women. Author Chris Heath, who also collaborated with Robbie in 2004 on previous book Feel, wrote: “What the friend had told Rob, words that would mess with his head for a long time, was, ‘I’ve got a friend for you, she’s f***ing crazy but she might be fun for an evening’.” Robbie recalled: “I googled her, she was obviously very attractive. But I was also doing a lot of pills that were making me antisocial. So we had plans but I flaked. “I left her a message days, weeks, later, and it made her laugh. We made plans to meet. But I wasn’t leaving my house, so she had to meet me there, which freaked her out a bit.” On his preparation for the date, Robbie said: “A dealer had come round that I was sleeping with and she’d given me all these pills. So I’d slept with the dealer, taken a bunch of pills.” Ayda, who had been at a party, was dropped off at Rob’s house. Robbie recalled: “Porsche door opens and out of the back seat clambers this girl. She’s wearing a dress with pockets and it makes her look frumpy, and my first thought was, ‘Oh, she’s put on a lot of weight’. “In she came, and she’s had a few red wines. I don’t think the situation suited her, being at a stranger’s house, coming from a party.” Robbie decided to escort her back to the party. He said: “It’s a tech party with tech people. It was like Revenge of the Nerds. “So I got tucked into a lot of drugs. Anyway, I took a turn for the worse, because I started to cluck like a chicken. “There was a moment in the Jacuzzi where Ayda had gone and got changed and she came in wearing this Ursula Andress bikini, and she had a killer body. “So I was in the Jacuzzi with a very, very hot girl in Hollywood doing a Hollywood thing. But then I got ill, started to cluck, had to leave, embarrassingly.” BRITs viewers horrified as Robbie Williams' chimp 'snorts drugs' live on screen during shock skit | The Irish Sun

Laura, Do you know if this charity is still operating, I cannot find it anywhere online !

I actually did this last night Alex & guess what , it took so long that when I posted it I was timed out on this thread & lost everything 🤣 so I have to it again

Does anyone know anything about this song ! Video thanks to Germaine

I feel this will be more than just a cabaret jacket , I think it will be "full on" cabaret 😊

Rob may yet attend the Oscars, I have no particular reason for saying that but as yet I have no proof that he will not do so. Who do the invites go out to , I have no idea. I did hear some months ago on the radio that the winners have ways & means of finding out before the actual show. It's not always top secret 😉

I thought I was losing my mind for a minute 🥺

I find it so hard just to pick top 10 , I am still thinking about it 😏

Philip has posted that it's not up & running yet, will most likely be next week ..

Thank you 👍

I thought we had a Forbidden Road thread but could not find it so posting here instead. Thought this video is rather clever Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQLbNmraTYOx5QKdDHxKLmg Experience a cinematic reimagining of Robbie Williams' "Forbidden Road" in this fan-made alternative version—a surreal and emotional journey through time, love, and self-reflection. Featuring breathtaking visuals, a dreamlike atmosphere, and an unexpected twist with a fancy-dressed chimpanzee, this music video brings a fresh perspective to the song's meaning. 🚗 Story Concept: A lone traveler walks an endless road, shifting between memories, dreams, and alternate realities. From a candlelit ballroom to a rain-soaked street, each step leads him closer to a revelation. But what lies at the end of the forbidden road? Watch now to find out! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more creative music video interpretations! 🎥 Directed by: Heinz Siegfried Pestner 🎨 Visuals Inspired By: "Better Man" aesthetics, dreamlike storytelling 🎶 Song by: Robbie Williams (Fan tribute – No copyright intended) Listen / Download - https://robbiewilliams.lnk.to/Forbidd... The 'Better Man (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' album is released digitally via Columbia Records / Arista Records http://betterman.robbiewilliams.com Written by: Robbie Williams, Freddy Wexler, and Sacha Skarbek. Produced by Dan Romer & Freddy Wexler. http://BetterManMovie.com / https://www.bettermanfilm.co.uk/ #BetterManMovie #ForbiddenRoad #RobbieWilliams #FanMade #AlternativeVersion #MusicVideo #SurrealCinematics #DreamlikeVisuals #IndieFilmmaking #StorytellingThroughMusic #VisualArt

“I want to be cabaret, world-class cabaret but with an edge, sweary cabaret I suppose. “I think that it's cringe for a lot of people and not necessarily a high art form but some of the best people in the world have been cabaret. Count Basie, Liza Minnelli, Tom Jones. “That's where I'm trying to propel myself and give myself purpose, to embrace this tour and get through it. So .... Is it long fur coats, feather boas, leather, chains , black tights & sparkles all the way with this tour 😎

I tried copying over just a normal Instagram post 9 not a reel ) & the same things happens. I removed from the ? to == at the end https://www.instagram.com/p/DGSghz4twr6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Original Insta post https://www.instagram.com/p/DGSghz4twr6/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGSghz4twr6/

The Life of The Performing Monkey: Robbie Williams’ ‘Better Man’ ReviewMario Martinez Ignacio Feb 24, 2025 By adding its uniquely fun monkey-shaped twist to the Biopic genre, Robbie Williams’ ‘Better Man’ is changing the way Biopics are perceived and experienced. From being a member of the famed Mancunian Pop group Take That to being one of the biggest international pop superstars of the 21st century. Robbie Williams has formed a legacy where both success and strugglers have had profound protagonism. It was just a matter of time before his story reached the international big screen. Following the steps of the greats such as Freddie Mercury with ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and Elton John with ‘Rocketman’, Robbie throws his life into the world of Biopics with a unique take on the genre. Playing with the fact that the genre incorporates fiction with history, director Michael Gracey chose to portray the singer as a monkey making the film stand out. ‘Better Man’ introduces the famed star to a new generation. Starring Jonno Davies as Robbie Williams in his chimpanzee form, Steve Pemberton as Robbie’s father Peter Williams, and Kate Mulvany as his wife Janet Williams. The film also features Robbie Williams himself as the narrator and provides his voice for the piece’s musical numbers. Things to do: Life as A Performing MonkeyFrom his severe addictions to multiple drugs to dealing with depression and suicidal tendencies, Robbie Williams’s chaotic life has been filled with struggles and personal demons. While ‘Better Man’, like most biopics, takes some creative liberties when portraying Robbie’s real life, it does a pretty good job of transposing his mental health and compulsive struggles to the big screen. Robbie has openly discussed his life struggles multiple times during his career including in his 2023 Netflix docuseries, but ‘Better Man’ dives deeper into the reasons of these became so all-consuming. I believe that the centering in those life moments that were significant in the singer-songwriter’s life felt more impactful, allowing it to create a more rounded narrative without cluttering it. The film holds multiple powerful messages, from never giving up on one’s dreams to the deeply rooted desire for love and belonging. These remind viewers about the destructive power of fame and the extent to which one can be their own worst critic. It shows us how far down self-hate can bring us, dragging even the brightest souls into darkness and making the climb back to self-acceptance feel almost impossible. Into The Eyes of The ChimpThe choice by director Michael Gracey to portray Robbie Williams as a CGI Monkey Chimpanzee was a risky but great one, as Robbie himself wanted the audience to see him similar to how he sees himself. This makes ‘Better Man’ one of the few films in the Biopic genre that isn’t protagonized by a human. Famously, the life of Robbie Williams has been quite crazy to the point of earning a reputation for re-embracing the unconventional, so it makes complete sense for him to choose a monkey as the star of his film. Surprisingly, this CGI Chimpanzee allows Robbie’s character and story to hit more profoundly, making the brighter moments feel magical and the low ones feel heartbreakingly painful while somehow still making it feel more Human-like. One captivating thing that maintains the audience’s attention, even when it’s not the focal point of the scenes, is the monkey’s costume designs which are heavily based on Robbie William’s actual iconic wardrobes throughout his career. Despite the chimp’s design remaining somewhat constant, his wardrobe drastically changed as Robbie kept evolving. These show what else would be just a random monkey a more solid character evolution. This decision allowed the piece to have a subtle, yet perfectly balanced comedy flair that is seeing a monkey snort cocaine. This is perfectly fitting with Robbie William’s personality and humor, astonishingly capturing his unique charm and unpredictable spirit and giving more authenticity to the piece. Related article: Why Queen Elizabeth II Is One Of The Greatest Monarchs | Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of United Queendom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (Video Insight) Related article: – Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY Related article: Everything We Know About the Michael Jackson Biopic The Art of The BioFilmAs clearly seen with the Academy Award-nominated film ‘A Complete Unknown’, the Biopic Genre holds its fair share of artistic masterpieces. Whether it is the gorgeous portrayal of the vast landscapes of India as seen in 1982’s ‘Gandhi’ or the astonishing portrayal of the Live Aid crowd in 2018’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, biopics have shown countless amounts of artistry, and ‘Better Man’ isn’t an exception. The film greatly plays with imagery and allegory, using masterfully beautiful sequences to physicalize Robbie’s thoughts and state of mind. This allows for a better understanding of the Protagonist’s perspective, maintaining the story grounded in realism. The songs were perfectly chosen, using it to express how Robbie feels at a specific moment rather than being pure performances or background music like seen in other films of the kind. The editing felt on point sneaking flash-forwards and flashbacks into the present-day scenes, this contrasts with the crazy-filled path that is Robbie Williams’s career. Yet, each scene is shot beautifully. Whether it is the beautifully detailed choreography featured during the musical moments or one of the deeply emotional scenes, ‘Better Man’s use of lighting and camera angles manages to portray a profound sense of vulnerability and intimacy this allows it to capture moments from more creative perspectives that let the story to feel more personal, more human. The Life of The Performing Monkey: Robbie Williams’ ‘Better Man’ Review - Hollywood Insider

Some really nice features on the new platform especially copying over news articles etc ,really cool 👍