By Keith Walther | RLGR
This is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, with a creative spin that sounds ridiculous on the surface, but works so well, you can’t imagine it any other way. “Better Man” is the music biopic we never asked for, but the one we desperately needed. The story is about Robbie Williams, told from his perspective as he views himself.
As a young boy, Robbie (Carter J. Murphy) always felt a little different from everyone else. He sees himself as a monkey, who looks up to and adores his father, Peter (Steve Pemberton). His father, however, only has room in his heart for one love, the love of performing. Robbie becomes obsessed with performing himself, seeking to impress his father and become something extraordinary.
Robbie (Jonno Davies) realizes his dream as a teenager and becomes a member of the boy band Take That. From there, his rise to British fame is incendiary, developing this persona that everyone seemed to crave. Fueled by cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs, his fall from the spotlight is just as fast. Robbie must confront himself and his inner demons if his hopes of becoming a British pop superstar will be realized.
This is only Michael Gracey’s second feature film he’s ever directed, “The Greatest Showman” being his first in 2017. He employs a similar creatively, whimsical style that captures the imagination for “Better Man.” Yes, it’s another music biopic that features the main character on a fast track to fame and fortune who has a falling out with drugs and alcohol, only to find himself and course correct, but the way it is told is undeniably unique. Who would think portraying the British pop star as a CGI ape would be anything but laughable? But it works! And it not only works but Gracey makes the audience understand why he sees himself this way to the point they cannot visualize the film any other way.
As he did with “The Greatest Showman,” Gracey incorporates lavish musical numbers that are simply awe inspiring with music that makes viewers want to dance in their seat. One of these is the most iconic moment in the film as it takes place on famed Regent Street with 500 extras and is set to Robbie Williams’ hit song “Rock DJ.” The choreography and wizardry are brilliant for that scene with outstanding cinematography that includes difficult continuous shots. It’s a breathtaking moment that captures the wonderfully entertaining spirit of this film.
Gracey’s commitment to capturing the true essence of Robbie Williams is evident in his use of Robbie providing the narration throughout the film. He used the interview recordings he had with Robbie prior to filming to supply the voiceover work, and it’s brilliantly intertwined with the chronology of the scenes. This helps Gracey give the film heart, soul, and hilarious attitude. It’s through his direction that makes “Better Man” one of the best films of 2024, and he deserves an Oscar nomination at the very least.
While Robbie Williams provides the narration throughout, Joono Davies provides the voiceover for the CGI ape that represents Williams as a teenager. Best known for his TV work and his role in “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” the British actor successfully embodies Williams’ cheeky attitude. Through his voice, the audience also gets a sense of the inner turmoil and depression that nearly broke the young pop star.
Playing a vitally important role as Robbie’s father is Steve Pemberton, a BAFTA winning actor best known for his lengthy BBC television work. He takes on an almost antagonistic role in this film, whose obsession with performing trumps everything else, including being a committed father to his son. He portrays that likeable charisma viewers will find quite appealing, while at the same time demonstrating the depth of his character and his many faults that make Robbie’s conflicted perception of his dad very understandable. This is the definition of a supporting actor with Pemberton’s performance establishing the basis for the main character’s mentality.
It would be a mistake to write this film off because the main character is displayed as a CGI chimpanzee. “Better Man” is a truly remarkable movie that is an entertaining combination of a music biopic and musical with a boldly enticing vision. It is packed with heartfelt emotions, hilarious dialogue, imaginative musical numbers, and a tell-it-how-it-is kind of spirit. Don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the best films of 2024 on the big screen, it is released everywhere this weekend.
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