In the early 90’s, boy bands were everywhere: ‘NSync, Backstreet Boys, New Kids on The Block. If you turned on your radio, you were guaranteed to hear their catchy tunes. One of those bands, Take That, was huge in the UK…but not the U.S. “Better Man,” a gala screening at the 2024 SCAD Savannah Film Festival may change that legacy.
The film is a biography of Take That member, Robbie Williams. Williams came from a loving home with a caring mother and grandmother. His father, while present early on, had visions of grandeur about his own talent as a singer. He left the family when Robbie was very young and only sporadically popped into and out of the younger Williams’ life. That is, until Robbie was chosen to be in Take That. Then his father paid attention. Formed when Williams was only 15, Take That sold millions of records but was hardly a household name in the states. That much fame at such a young age can be a blessing or a curse. For Williams, it was the latter. He was kicked out of the popular band a few years later for his erratic behavior due to drugs and drinking.
While you may not recognize his name, if you seek out Williams’ music, you might say, “Oh, I’ve heard that!” However, when you watch “Better Man,” you won’t recognize Williams. That’s because he’s portrayed as a CGI monkey.
Yes, you read that correctly. Williams — who participated in the making of his biopic and narrates the movie — never appears as himself. From the first frame, he is a monkey. And no overt explanation is given. But as the movie progresses, it becomes apparent why writer/producer/director, Michael Gracey made this creative choice. At a Q&A after the SCAD Savannah Film Festival screening of “Better Man,” Gracey explained that, in the early stages of production, Williams casually mentioned that no matter how successful he became, he had always felt like a performing monkey…. like his talent was something for others. He never really enjoyed it himself. (Williams’ rags-to-riches climb — and drug-addled crash — are portrayed in great detail).
Gracey told the film’s audience that once he decided on Williams being a monkey, he was never deterred from bringing that vision to the screen. And he was shot down many, many times…to the point he feared he’d never be able to make the movie he wanted. He said, “When the subject of your movie — who is in 99% of the scenes — is CGI, the film’s budget increases exponentially.”
Gracey started his career as a VFX designer and has deep roots in telling musical stories. He’s directed award-winning music videos and commercials. He was the executive producer on Elton John’s biopic Rocketman, and his directorial debut was The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. That pedigree got him in the door to discuss his idea for the Williams biopic. But he had to work very hard to convince the money people to hand over the money.
Near the end of the movie, there are quite a few scenes where Gracey could have shown the real Williams. A sort of rebirth of the man, if you will. He did not. As mentioned earlier, Williams never appears as himself. Several times during the movie, you hear the term “imposter.” Many times, Williams is shown seeing visions of other monkeys looking at him from the crowds. They are judging him…or so he feels. Gracey chose to always portray Williams as the monkey to say Robbie will never get over that feeling of being an imposter. No matter how clean and sober he gets. No matter how rich he gets. And no matter how many adoring fans he has.
“Better Man” could have been your standard biopic. But by digging deeper into what makes Robbie Williams tick, “Better Man” tells an audacious story that is sure to resonate with many.
“Better Man” is rated R for drug use, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity, and some violent content.
“Better Man” premieres in theaters on January 17, 2025.
