Film Review: Better Man

Review by Daz Gale

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The last few years has seen no shortage of biopics made of iconic singers. We’ve already had Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse to name but a few. All were pretty outstanding films, though obviously some are better than others, but none of them had a CGI monkey, did they? That’s where Better Man sets itself apart immediately, breaking free of the supposed constraints of the artist biopic to tell a very different and creative tale of the rise of Robbie Williams. With its bold and unique selling point, would Better Man be able to entertain audiences or would all of this monkeying around prove to be a bit too bananas?

Though he is a huge name in the United Kingdom and has been for well over 30 years now, in other parts of the world, Robbie Williams isn’t quite as well known. It has been hard to escape social media posts from Americans in recent weeks wondering just who this random man with a film made about him is and why us Brits seem to love him as much as we do. For their benefit, and for anyone who has been living under a rock (DJ) since the 1990s, let me quickly recap:

Robbie Williams first found fame in 1990 as part of the five-piece boyband Take That. Though success didn’t come immediately (as memorable as the ‘Do What U Like’ video was), when they eventually got their first hit, the band became inescapable. Constant number ones followed over the next few years and the band seemed to be unstoppable… until Robbie left the band in 1995. The next year he launched a solo career and in 1997 ‘Angels’ cemented him as a solo star in his own right. The hits kept coming as did the number one albums, and it wasn’t long before Robbie was winning countless awards (18 Brit Awards so far) and regularly playing to sold out stadiums, taking his place as one of the best-selling music artists in the UK. It wasn’t always easy though with as many lows as highs and well-documented struggles with his demons. That is where Better Man proves to be a compelling watch.

Whether or not you identify as a Robbie Williams fan (It’s no secret I’m one), there is something for everyone to enjoy in this film which strips away the mystique and bravado of the pop star and travels under his skim to tell a tale of humanity, recognisable and relatable to all, even if you haven’t sold millions of records yourself. The writing from Simon Gleeson, Oliver Cole and Michael Gracey is full of vulnerability and doesn’t shy away from exposing the darker side of fame and all that Robbie dealt with in the period of his life Better Man focuses on. Crucially, this doesn’t feel like a project peppered in self-indulgence. Instead, it is an attempt to understand the man behind the mask – all of his self-doubt, battles with addiction, insecurities and mental health. It is this sensitive yet no-holds-barred approach that makes Better Man an emotional watch. Yes, there are of course moments that will make you laugh – after all, that is one of the key elements of Robbie as an entertainer, but don’t be surprised if tears of laughter suddenly transform into tears of sorrow.

There is no attempt here to paint Robbie as a saint. Better Man instead focuses on how tormented he has been, with apparitions of his past self providing the main antagonist of the movie in an inspired touch where the villain is Robbie himself. It is more complex than that, and the movie’s title Better Man (not released as a single in the UK so perhaps not one as familiar to many)  where he sings “I’m doing all I can to be a better man” summarises what the movie is about as it focuses on a raw and unflinching journey where every high is met with a low, and a high of a very different kind to create a tumultuous time for the entertainer but one that ultimately shaped him to be who he is today.

Then, of course, there is the monkey. Robbie has said he always sees himself as a performing monkey so as surprising a choice as this is, it oddly works. With the remainder of the cast played as humans, it is an inspiring mix of fantasy and fantastical yet with a poignant touch behind its meaning. The humanity in the monkeys face, complete with Robbie’s own eyes, allows for a sympathetic approach that connects the audience with his journey immediately. Yes, it also makes for some comic moments but it never feels like a novelty or a cheap approach to trivialise anything. Instead, it speaks as a great metaphor to Robbie himself and a writing team with a deep understanding of his inner-workings and how something beautiful can emerge from the darkness. With Jonno Davies providing the motion capture and younger voice while Robbie himself voicing the older chimpanzee, it leads to an intriguing yet captivating mix of heart, humour and humanity.

Michael Gracey’s direction ensures Better Man is a beautiful film at all levels, mixing fantasy and reality to create pure magic. This truly comes alive in the musical sequences – the best of which is ‘Rock DJ’ – an awe-inspiring number charting Take That’s rise to fame as they cause chaos down Regent Street in what has to be one of the greatest musical numbers I have ever seen on film. It isn’t the only highlight though, with a stunningly beautiful ‘She’s The One’ taking inspiration from the original music video while elevating it to cinematic proportions. Of course, ‘Angels’ comes at a pivotal moment, bringing even more poignancy to lyrics that have held meaning for many since the single was first released.

A wonderful cast maintain the high standard set by the creatives with Steve Pemberton on top form as Robbie’s dad Peter Williams and Alison Steadman a strong standout as Robbie’s nan Betty. Raechelle Banno is a highlight as Robbie’s former fiancée and All Saint Nicole Appleton, with musical theatre fans recognising the singing voice of Kayleigh McKnight in a key sequence involving her. Robbie’s four Take That bandmates are a highlight too, with Jake Simmance an absolutely fantastic Gary Barlow.

I’ll be honest – Better Man was not a film I had been particularly excited for. Despite being a fan of Robbie Williams, like many others I reacted to the first trailer with “What the Hell was that?” Any scepticism or low expectations I had were certainly quashed within seconds of the film starting. A biopic unlike any other, this doesn’t try to gloss over the more unsavoury of moments or pretend Robbie Williams is perfect. The result is an exposed portrayal of a complicated man who has faced his demons and come out of the other side in a tale of struggle but ultimately survival and optimism. I’m not ashamed to say I was reduced to tears by the end of the film in what is a refreshing and truly beautiful movie. Fans of his will love Better Man but anyone who has been indifferent to him or even loathed the man may find themselves surprised by their feelings towards the movie and even him after it has concluded. Not just a great biopic, a great movie and one anyone who loves musical movies is bound to adore. If you had no desire to see this, take my word for it and give it a watch – with the amount it will make you feel, you’re sure to have no regrets.

Better Man is in cinemas now.