The world of cinema in 2024 brings a plethora of fascinating projects, but one of the most intriguing is Better Man, a semi-biographical film about British pop sensation Robbie Williams. Directed by Michael Gracey, this satirical musical offers a creative twist—portraying Williams as a CGI chimpanzee! With its unique approach to storytelling, powerful music, and stellar cast, Better Man has become a topic of much anticipation. Here’s everything you need to know about the movie.
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Quick Facts About Better Man
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Better Man |
| Release Dates | December 25, 2024 (US), December 26, 2024 (Australia) |
| Director | Michael Gracey |
| Starring | Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman |
| Genre | Semi-biographical, Satirical Musical |
| Unique Element | Robbie Williams portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee |
| Filming Locations | Melbourne (Australia), London (UK) |
| Production Companies | Big Red Films, McMahon International |
| Distributor | Paramount Pictures (US), Roadshow Films (Australia) |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 87% (as of November 2024) |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2/10 (preliminary reviews) |
The Unique Premise of Better Man
Better Man goes behind the scenes to look at the life and profession of Robbie Williams, who happens to be one of the leading British pop stars. The catch? Thanks to CGI and motion capture, actor Jonno Davies portrays Williams as a chimp. This creative choice is consistent with Williams’ own feeling of being ‘less evolved’ than his contemporaries, which provides a metaphorical layer to the story.
The movie eulogises Williams’ life in such a way – he becomes a famous singer with Take That, goes through hardships and emerges as a successful solo artist. I was present at the première of the movie, and I can confidently say that Better Man seamlessly integrates humor, a mix of emotions and even some of his masterpieces in a new light.
Key Themes and Music in Better Man
Better man is a movie carried by the music. Fans will be treated to the likes of these tracks within the movie – “She’s the One”, “Angels”, “Let Me Entertain You”. These were re-sung in the film where they complemented the scenes quite well, enhancing the audience experience.
In much of her work, British director Michael Gracey prefers the constructive method. Williams attempts to “combine humor with absolutely captivating storytelling” in this film. Regarding his personality and professional growth, the film also touches on self-image, stardom, and the tenacity of Williams.
Meet the Cast
The cast of Better Man is a blend of talent that brings Robbie Williams’ world to life:
Robbie Williams as himself (voice)
Jonno Davies as young Robbie (motion capture and voice)
Steve Pemberton as Peter
Alison Steadman as Betty
Damon Herriman as Nigel Martin-Smith
Raechelle Banno as Nicole Appleton
The cast features one of Williams’ Take That brothers Jake Simmance as Gary Barlow, Liam Head as Howard Donald, Jesse Hyde as Mark Owen, and Chase Vollenweider as Jason Orange. The chemistry between the actors seems to suggest a riveting performance of Williams’ formative years.
The Monkey Metaphor: A Bold Choice
Perhaps the most controversial moment of Better Man is the image of Robbie Williams covered in simian characteristics. As executed by Wētā FX, this is rather a risky creative decision as CGI was employed, which is, indeed, an analogy to Williams’s perception. It’s a clever technique to emphasize his struggle and conflict with being a loner in society.
This decision also ties into the film’s satirical tone, offering a humorous yet profound exploration of Williams’ psyche.
Production Journey
Clip M has commenced on location in Melbourne, Australia in May 2022 in Docklands Studios Melbourne with Williams’ concert scenes incorporated in his tour at the Royal Albert Hall in November 2022. London was used for further shooting in early 2023.
The film was funded by the Producer Offset of the Australian government and the incentive programs of the Film Victoria, demonstrating its international orientation.
The original integration of motion-capture technology and live actors is quite a surprise in today’s filmmaking industry.
Trailers and Promotional Videos
The first trailer of the Better Man movie provides the audience straight away with a colorful and emotional sneak peak of the film. It includes clips depicting some parts of new songs performed by actors in the film and emotional clips reminding the solicitor chimpanzee middle image, which is its promise to take the audience on an emotional journey. Better Man fans will also be able to watch some videos about the film’s production and its motifs on YouTube and Netflix.
Critical Reception
The prominent film had its world premiere on August 30, 2024 at the Telluride Film Festival where it received acclaim due to its adventurous approach and heart-pulling plots. It was then screened at the Toronto International Film Festival before being the opening film at the International Film Festival of India. A movie with 87% of its reviews being positive on Rotten tomatoes is said to have got an exaggerated story and massive versions of pieces made by many composers.
Early reviews on IMDb (7.2/10) and Better Man reviews highlight the film’s innovative storytelling and standout performances, particularly by Jonno Davies.
Release Details
Fans worldwide can catch Better Man in theaters on:
United States: Limited release on December 25, 2024, with a wider release on January 10, 2025.
Australia: December 26, 2024.
While theatrical releases are the priority, discussions about Better Man Netflix distribution are already generating buzz.
Who Wrote “Better Man”?
The Better Man movie further focuses on ‘Better Man’ by Robbie Williams who takes it personally and reveals his sensitive side. Similarly, this song was also performed by Taylor Swift, creating thirst for her fans who google “who wrote Better Man.” Of course, the song was initially recorded by Williams; however, the cover version by Swift is rather appealing as well and has become a cult in popular culture.
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A Cinematic Must-Watch
Thanks to its worth-recognizing plot, original satire, and moving melodies, Better Man promises to be among the best movies of 2024. A combination of computer graphics and storytelling makes it possible to view the life and career of a pop star from a different angle.
Better Man is a must-watch film, whether you are a die-hard fan of Robbie Williams or simply want to see a movie about a chimpanzee caught in the vortex of popularity. Save the date and the time as this film hits the theaters in December which will be an experience to remember!