Movie Review - Better Man

Director: Michael Gracey
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ musical
Runtime: 135 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno
 
Description: A singular profile of pop superstar Robbie Williams, chronicling his meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence
 
Review: Robbie Williams says he has always felt less developed than others. This feeling explains why he is portrayed by a chimpanzee in his biopic. Those around him do not see him as different, but the feeling of insecurity and not being able to keep up with his peers who are smarter, more attractive, and/ or more talented has always gnawed at him. The appearance of an ape seems like an artificial plot device, but it works wonderfully well.

Equally impressive is the achievement of covering the six-year period in which Williams was part of Take That without featuring a single original song by the five-piece band. The now fifty-year-old singer describes his time in the band with nuance and love. Williams looked up to the looks and skills of his fellow band members.

“Better Man” comes across as a completely honest portrait in which Williams does not deny himself or his background. Coming from a modest background, he is constantly seeking recognition. Not only from his fame-hungry, mostly absent father, but also from his audience. Take That, in which he played the role of bad boy, sprouted in the gay nightlife scene, but the fanbase was quickly expanded to teenage girls.

Directory Michael Gracey has directed many music videos, but is know to the general public for his feature film debut “The Greatest Showman”. This musical was full of spectacle. In his Robbie Williams biopic, however, he keeps the flamboyant circus within the bounds. The most spectacular scene in “Better Man” is a dance sequence in London’s busy Regent Street.

This showstopper marks the peak of the Take That era. Once Williams had tasted success, the world seemed to be at his feet. He begins a complex relationship with All Saints member Nicole Appleton, who gets to know Williams’ complex nature. He does not spare himself when addictions and self-destruction comes into play.

Gracey connects the stages of Williams’ life through a musical-like setting that further emphasizes the power and, above all, the beauty of his songs. The subject matter is presented from a single point of view, but because Williams not only talks about the good things and also focuses on the bad things, the tone is authentic. The bond with his father also remains a recurring theme. The scenes with Williams’ father seem a bit messy and fragmented. Verbal explosions full of reproaches alternate with moments that almost put his father on a pedestal.

Even if you’re not a fan of Robbie Williams, this biopic manages to impress and even move you.

Rating: 4/ 5