As one of the biggest pop stars the UK (and the world) has ever seen, it only makes sense for Robbie Williams to want a make a biopic on his terms, his way. But, reader, bear with us for a moment. Williams’ terms for a movie about his life are a little …off-base, as you’ll see in the new trailer for “Better Man.”
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Parts of “Better Man” make sense on paper. A story about Williams’ rise to superstardom? Check. A tentpole director behind the camera in “The Greatest Showman” helmer Michael Gracey? Check. But Williams depicted by Jonno Davies as a CGI chimpanzee straight out of a “Planet Of The Apes” blockbuster for the entire runtime? That’s odd as hell: either a stroke of genius or a desperate ploy to make an all-too-familiar story into something different.
So which is it? Audiences find out on Christmas Day when “Better Man” hits theaters. Here’s an official synopsis for the film, courtesy of Paramount Pictures:
Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.
Along with Williams, “Better Man” also stars Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, and Alison Steadman. Kate Mulvany, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge, and Anthony Hayes round out the main cast.
Michael Gracey directs a script by him, Simon Gleeson, and Oliver Cole. Gracey also leads producers on “Better Man” with Paul Currie, Coco Xiaolu Ma, Jules Daly, and Craig McMahon.
“Better Man” had its world premiere at Telluride and then screened at TIFF earlier this year. The word on the movie from both festivals? Positive, surprisingly, although the choice to portray Williams as a chimpanzee remains a headscratcher to everyone.
But maybe that’s how Williams and Gracey get butts in seats for “Better Man” on December 25. Watch a trailer for the biopic below.
