We’re only into November and you could be forgiven for being tired of the serious dramas and biopics. Well, Better Man is here to change your attitude a little bit. While a biopic about UK pop icon Robbie Williams might sound par for the course this time of year, one look at the new trailer and you’ll know why that’s not the case.
As seen in the new trailer for Better Man, the film centers on the life and career of British pop superstar Robbie Williams. So what makes this one different than the rest? Well, Williams isn’t portrayed by an actor. He’s portrayed as a chimp. Everyone else is a human , but Williams is a chimpanzee performed using motion-capture technology by Jonno Davies. Williams does voice himself as an adult and provides narration, though.
The film is directed by Michael Gracey, who knows a thing or two about musicals having directed The Greatest Showman and the Pink: All I Know So Far concert doc. We’l
Others in the cast are Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge, and Anthony Hayes.
I saw this a few weeks ago and found it to be a visually stunning, energetic biopic that absolutely doesn’t need the chimp gimmick. Then again I was completely clueless about Williams going in. Someone more familiar might feel differently.
Paramount debuts Better Man in theaters on Christmas Day.
SYNOPSIS: 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.
