“‘Not Your Ordinary Pop Star’: How Robbie Williams Embraced His Inner Primate for ‘Better Man'”
In a bold departure from conventional biographical storytelling, the eagerly anticipated Robbie Williams biopic “Better Man” has unveiled its first trailer, presenting the beloved British pop icon in an unprecedented avatar – a CGI chimpanzee. The avant-garde representation, directed by visionary filmmaker Michael Gracey of “The Greatest Showman” fame, promises to revolutionize the biographical film genre when it premieres in select theaters this Christmas.
“This is my story. But I’m not gonna tell it in an ordinary way because I don’t see myself how others see me,” declares Williams in the trailer’s opening moments, setting the stage for what appears to be cinema’s most audacious character interpretation this season. The transformation, brought to life through cutting-edge motion capture technology and portrayed by the talented Jonno Davies, adds a surreal dimension to Williams’ already fascinating narrative.
The choice of depicting Williams as a primate wasn’t merely a flight of artistic fancy. According to Gracey, it stemmed from Williams’ own self-perception, adding layers of metaphorical complexity to the star’s journey from boy band heartthrob to solo sensation. “To be honest, I’ve always been a little less evolved,” quips Williams in the trailer, a statement that resonates profoundly with his chosen avatar.
The film chronicles Williams’ meteoric rise to stardom, from his humble beginnings through his tenure with Take That, and into his evolution as a solo artist. It doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of fame – mental health struggles and addiction battles are treated with sensitivity and depth. In one particularly poignant scene, Williams’ mother tenderly affirms she “wouldn’t change a hair” on his head – a moment made extraordinarily touching by his simian appearance.
The star-studded cast includes Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, and Raechelle Banno, with Williams himself providing voiceovers throughout the narrative. The trailer showcases the film’s ambitious scope, from electrifying concert sequences to intimate personal moments, all while maintaining the unique visual language of Williams’ monkey persona.
“Better Man” appears poised to challenge our perceptions of biographical storytelling while celebrating the unvarnished truth of one of pop music’s most compelling figures. The film opens exclusively in select theaters on December 25, before expanding to wider release on January 17.
