‘Better Man’: A Surreal Dive into Robbie Williams' Rollercoaster Life
If you ever wondered what a biographical movie would look like when it completely breaks free from traditional storytelling conventions, Better Man is here to answer that question. This musical biopic about British pop star Robbie Williams is not your average film. It’s bizarre, frenetic, and somehow profoundly emotional, diving deep into the life of a man who built a career on bluffing the world into thinking he had it all together. What makes it even more unorthodox is that Williams, portrayed in the film as a motion-capture CGI monkey, lends his voice and personality to a character who is as wild and unpredictable as his career.
Directed by Michael Gracey, Better Man follows Robbie Williams from his humble beginnings in Stoke-on-Trent to his meteoric rise to fame as a member of the boy band Take That and beyond into his solo career. Along the way, we witness the typical rock star narrative—addiction, egomania, broken relationships, and the haunting pursuit of perfection. But this film isn’t just about the ups and downs of fame; it’s an exploration of something deeper—the insecurities and self-doubt that plagued Williams despite his success.
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What sets Better Man apart from other biopics is its audacity and visual extravagance. The film’s musical sequences are as insane as they are exhilarating. It’s not just about Robbie Williams singing his hits; it’s about the wild energy of his performances coming to life in a way that feels almost like a fever dream. The camera swirls and spins, and the world around him morphs in ways that defy logic—country roads become battlegrounds, streetlights turn into raging fires, and stages transform into chaotic spectacles of color and movement. These scenes are intense and often disorienting, creating a visual feast that perfectly matches the whirlwind nature of Williams’ career.
And then there’s the CGI monkey, the symbol of Robbie’s self-perceived immaturity. When the film starts, you may think it’s a gimmick—Robbie Williams portrayed as an ape, how absurd. But as the story unfolds, you realize it’s a poignant metaphor for Williams’ struggles with self-identity and the childlike persona he couldn’t escape. Despite the ridiculousness of the concept, it works on an emotional level, allowing us to understand the deep feelings of inadequacy that have shaped his public persona. The idea that he might see himself as a monkey speaks volumes about his constant fear of being exposed for not having it all figured out.
Amid all the surrealism, Better Man also offers moments of raw, unfiltered emotion. There’s a particularly moving sequence where Robbie meets Nicole Appleton (played by Raechelle Banno) from All Saints, and their relationship spirals into a whirlwind of love, jealousy, and heartache. The juxtaposition of the chaotic musical numbers with this intimate love story creates a beautiful contrast. The film doesn’t shy away from the darker side of fame—its loneliness, its toxic envy, and the emotional toll of constantly trying to prove yourself.
Ultimately, Better Man isn’t just a biopic about Robbie Williams; it’s a commentary on the absurdity of fame and the lengths people go to in order to feel validated. It’s a reflection on the complex relationship between artistry and self-worth, wrapped in a surreal, flamboyant package. Yes, it’s strange. Yes, it’s over-the-top. But in its own way, it’s a genuine and heartfelt exploration of a man who spent his career pretending to be something he wasn’t, while grappling with the fear that everyone might one day realize the truth.
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