Movie: Better Man
Director: Michael Gracey
Star cast: Robbie Williams (Voiceover), Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Kate Mulvany, Alison Steadman
Genre: Biographical musical
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
If like me, the boy-band Take That has been a part of the pop-culture during your growing years, there’s no doubt that you will absolutely relate to this movie based on Robbie Williams in more ways than one. Back then, the former band-member who reached new heights of fame and super-success as one of the most sold-out pop artists post going solo was equally known for his wild partying ways and a questionable lifestyle fuelled heavily by alcohol and drugs as he battled personal issues. The media then, kept us fed with enough doses of gossip on this pop icon to earn him a rather notorious image. This movie directed brilliantly by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) delves into the life of Robbie Williams – the music legend – and tells it from from the singer’s side of the fence. And even if you haven’t been a part of the same Gen, you will still find here a story that’s relatable and an emotional magnet that will draw you in from the first frame!
The film is presented in the most unique and creative storytelling format where unlike any biopic ever, Williams is portrayed as a chimpanzee with CGI effects. It supports the tagline – Fame makes a monkey of us all – with a deeper metaphor reflecting Williams’ inner complexities, struggles and fears. Also, apparently, Williams looks at himself in a previous stage of evolution as a monkey and the journey is sort of a coming-of-age and his evolution as a ‘Better Man’ hence the CGI.
There’s a dialogue in the movie where they say, that ‘Life freezes at the age that you get famous’ and for Williams that was 15. His journey as portrayed in the movie is of him coming to terms with his tumultuous affair with fame and success; his deep and beautiful, but turbulent relationship with Nicole Appleton, his equations with his family – a loving mom, a grandmother – his Nan – who was his biggest support, and a father who was his window to musical greats, the man who he looked up to and whose approval he longed for the most and the one whose absence impacted him more than it has ever been acknowledged in public domain. The movie seems to be this attempt at William’s personal redemption as he tackled addictions, battled depression and self-esteem issues and finally made peace with his demons!
Gracey seamlessly and expertly reaches the darkest crevices of an artists’ soul deftly weaving in wit and humour with heartache and raw pain while navigating the soul-stirring, emotional highs and lows and the inner turmoils of Williams’ journey as an entertainer. It also holds mirror to the reality of many artists who go through similar issues internally as performers and face the pressures of constantly living up to expectations in the public domain. This humane portrayal makes the film more personal and endearing where you can’t help but empathise with them on a more personal level and this perhaps in the biggest cinematic triumph of Better Man.
The film scores brownie points on ensuring that there’s no glorification of the pop icon. Rather it’s an honest peek into his life where he’s been a victim of his fears and insecurities triggered by a belief that his life would only matter to his father if he became a ‘somebody’. Gracey’s masterful direction makes Better Man a cathartic cinematic experience that lays bare the vulnerabilities and frailties of a boy whose biggest fear since childhood was to grow-up to be a ‘nobody’. An all-heart musical masterpiece it hits you right in the soul and leaves you doused in emotions to the core.
The film traces William’s childhood that quickly establishes the fabric of his growing years being heavily influenced by his father who aspires to be an entertainer and introduces the young Robert to the dazzling and glamorous world of musical greats, albeit through the screen. Williams idolizes his dad and hopes to make him proud by someday becoming famous too as they watch the performances of Frank Sinatra on television and imitate the styles of the top stars. He is heartbroken when his father leaves him to pursue his own dreams of becoming a great singer some day. All the young kid knows is that he wants to grow up to be famous and while his mother is busy making ends meet his ‘Nan’ wholeheartedly supports him and is his biggest cheerleader.
Gracey’s masterful direction makes Better Man a cathartic cinematic experience that lays bare the vulnerabilities and frailties of a boy whose biggest fear since childhood was to grow-up to be a ‘nobody’. An all-heart musical masterpiece it hits you right in the soul and leaves you doused in emotions to the core.
At the age of 15, his sass and a knack for theatrics on stage earn him a spot in the newly formed boy-band Take That and Robert earns his new name Robbie! The film then delves into his equation with lead singer Gary Barlow, his need to do something more meaningful than just being an insignificant part of the group leaving him frustrated at times and what ultimately leads to his exit and going solo. The film also explores his brief, but beautiful relationship with Nicole Appleton rather sensitively, followed with his rise to the top and super success professionally. All this while, his personal life however was nose-diving into a downward spiral into substance abuse and alcoholism stemming from self-esteem issues. Robbie’s self-deprecating humour is a sharp contrast with the intensity of the raw and dark moments of his life haunted by fear of never being good enough!
The most beautiful and captivating aspect of the film are the emotions that it manages to evoke and are at the very core. They grip you right from the start and there’s no loosening it till the end. You are completely invested as a viewer in Robbie’s journey along the dark edges and there’s a relatability in the relationships shown. As an audience, we feel the hurt, the pain and the weight of all the emotional scarring he has carried through his life. The film peels off the many intricate layers of one of the world’s greatest pop icons to lay bare his deeply conflicted soul and his triumph against all odds. It is ultimately a glorious story of acceptance, of healing and of lessons learnt!
Needless to say one of the biggest highlights is the amazing soundtrack that has been played up in perfect sync too. The moments between Nicole and Robbie have been shot beautifully as have the interactions between the young Robert with his Nan and his father that are extremely emotional! The film scores perfect digits in acting, cinematography, CGI, and direction. Don’t be surprised to see it make you smile through the tears.
Raw, real, and brilliantly unique, the emotionally-charged and highly-entertaining film is story-telling at its best – Do yourself a favour and WATCH it! It’s the best gift you could give yourself to kickstart the new year!