Wed Jan 01 06:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Robbie Williams’ Monkey Business: New Biopic Offers Unflinching Look at Pop Star’s Life
**Los Angeles, CA** – A new musical biopic, “Better Man,” offers a surprisingly tender and humorous portrayal of Robbie Williams’ tumultuous life, using the innovative approach of depicting the singer as a CGI monkey throughout. Directed by Michael Gracey (“The Greatest Showman”), the film draws heavily from Williams’ own candid audio recordings, providing a caustic yet vulnerable narration that forms the emotional core of the story.
The film chronicles Williams’ rise to fame as a member of Take That, his subsequent solo career, and the struggles with addiction and strained family relationships that accompanied his success. Jonno Davies portrays the adult Williams through motion capture, bringing a surprising vivacity to the simian protagonist. The unconventional visual choice, far from being a distraction, serves as a powerful metaphor for Williams’ own feelings of self-worth at times.
Gracey’s direction masterfully blends comedy and tragedy, showcasing dazzling musical sequences reminiscent of Bob Fosse and Terry Gilliam. Highlights include a vibrant flash mob on London’s Regent Street and a romantic shipboard performance. While the spectacle is undeniably impressive, the film avoids becoming solely a flashy display, offering a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a complex individual battling insecurity and personal demons.
Williams’ own voice-over, described as cheeky and consistently self-aware, guides the narrative, offering an unflinching look at his struggles without descending into self-pity. The film avoids both hagiography and hatchet job, painting a balanced picture of a man who endured immense highs and devastating lows.
“Better Man” is rated R and runs for 2 hours and 14 minutes. It is currently playing in theaters.
First Piper 