**Cheers to Robbie Williams: A Daring and Audacious Music Biopic**
Robbie Williams, the British singer-songwriter who evolved from boy band idol to tabloid icon to record-shattering solo artist, has once again produced something remarkable. *Better Man*, a biopic showcasing hits from his extensive career — such as “Angels,” “She’s the One,” and “Rock DJ” — narrates the ups and downs of his journey. Collaborating with writer-director Michael Gracey (*The Greatest Showman*), Williams has taken a bold and unconventional route within the music biopic genre, often plagued by clichés, triviality, or lack of originality. In an unexpected twist, Williams portrays himself as a literal dancing chimpanzee.
*Better Man* narrates Williams’ transformation from a challenging upbringing in Stoke-on-Trent to his rebellious era with the British boy band Take That, his battles with addiction, rocky romances, celebrity rivalries, and family turmoil. All of this unfolds through the perspective of a CGI chimpanzee, crafted by the renowned VFX studio Wētā FX. While this may initially appear as a quirky tactic meant to draw attention, Gracey skillfully develops the idea into a profoundly emotional and innovative depiction of an artist contending with his own demons.
### A New Angle on a Well-Known Tale
Although the arcs of Williams’ story maintain a recognizable trajectory, the choice to characterize him as a chimpanzee infuses the narrative with fresh humor and vulnerability. This artistic decision propels *Better Man* into the realm of outstanding music biopics, rivaling the emotional depth found in Elton John’s *Rocketman* (which Gracey also executive produced).
### Who Takes on the Role of Robbie Williams in *Better Man*?
This inquiry presents a complex answer. Robbie Williams provides the narration for the film, with dialogue developed by Gracey, Oliver Cole, and Simon Gleeson based on conversations with the singer. However, in the physical role, English actor Jonno Davies (*Hunters*) takes the spotlight. Davies captures Williams with a blend of confidence and sensitivity, utilizing a motion-capture suit to animate the chimpanzee version of Robbie. Drawing inspiration from Williams’ expressive eyes and iconic hairstyles, Wētā FX constructed a CGI chimp that feels both fantastical and strikingly human. The end product seamlessly merges Davies’ physical expressions with Williams’ voice, resulting in one of the year’s most astonishing and engaging performances.
Davies portrays Williams’ tough exterior with masculine bravado while skillfully interspersing moments of humor, childlike mischief, and even a hilariously explicit self-pleasuring scene. Nevertheless, the film does not shy away from Williams’ darker periods, embracing an honest, unvarnished perspective that renders *Better Man* both gripping and profoundly personal.
### The Impact of CGI and Emotional Narration
One might think that utilizing a CGI chimpanzee to explore heavy subjects like substance abuse, infidelity, and self-harm would diminish their emotional impact. However, by the conclusion of the first sequence — where a young Robbie (portrayed by Jack Sherran) endures a challenging day at the playground — the choice feels entirely appropriate. The expressive animation and grounded performances ensure the chimp concept is not only effective but also amplifies the narrative. This is particularly true in the film’s grand musical numbers, which are both visually captivating and emotionally charged.
### Showstopping Musical Performances
Similar to *Rocketman*, *Better Man* employs Williams’ songs anachronistically, valuing emotional impact over chronological fidelity. For example, Take That’s rise to stardom is accompanied by “Rock DJ,” a hit from Williams’ solo career. This creative leeway enables the film to curate electrifying moments that encapsulate the joy, sorrow, and romance of Williams’ life.
One memorable scene showcases the young band rejoicing in their record deal with a spectacular dance number through the streets of London, culminating in a citywide celebration. Another highlight features a ballroom duet set to “She’s the One,” as chimp Robbie performs with a grace and fervor that is utterly enchanting — yes, even as a chimpanzee.
However, not all songs convey joy. In instances of anxiety and despair, the chimpanzee metaphor becomes deeply poignant, providing a vivid and visceral portrayal of Williams’ internal conflicts.
### Visualizing Inner Struggles
Gracey intertwines realistic backdrops with surreal, music video-inspired imagery to represent Williams’ struggles with self-doubt and self-destructive behavior. In one haunting scene, a car accident leads to a nightmare where chimp Robbie is submerged underwater, encircled by fans clawing at him and paparazzi flashing blinding lights. These surreal instances are contrasted with more conventional biopic elements, such as montages of magazine covers and music videos chronicling Williams’ ascent to fame.
The film also utilizes the chimpanzee motif to externalize Williams’ inner turmoil. During a concert, Robbie gazes out at the adoring audience…