Better Man

Director/Writer:Michael Gracey

Writers: Oliver Cole & Michael Gracey

Better Man tells the, often complicated, life story of Robbie Williams. Portrayed throughout as a CGI chimpanzee (motion captured by Jonno Davies), rather than lookalike actor, the story goes from childhood, through his, successes, failures and his battles with the many demons that have haunted him. All backed with Williams’s own crowd pleasing back catalogue.

Better Man takes a creative approach to telling Williams’s story, presenting him as a chimpanzee and telling some of the story’s darker moments in a kaleidescope of fantasy images. But it uses its creativity well, offering a thoughtful, humourous, warm hearted and touching look at Williams life, offering one of the most enjoyable cinematic trips of the year.

At the centre of what makes it work is presenting Williams as a chimp. Rather than being a gimmick, it allows the film to tell its story and get under the skin of Williams, and you quickly forget he’s a chimp.

The story hits the beats you’d expect, Take That, the split, the solo career, the celebrity run-ins. But it is more than that, it’s a deep look into an often troubled person, thrust into the limelight at a young age. We see what shapes him, his relationship with his father (Steve Pemberton), his Nan (Alison Steadman), the rock who believes in him, and his put upon mother (Kate Mulvany).

We see his creativity and desire, his doubt and self loathing, and how this leads to self destructive behaviour. But it never looks for excuses, it feels like Williams wants to take responsibility not lay blame. All interspersed with Williams back catalogue presented as fabulous song and dance numbers and one of his best, Angels, used in a heartbreaking montage.

Better Man is one of the best things I’ve seen this year. A warm hearted, touching and open look at Robbie Williams life. The CGI chimp is an inspired choice, allowing the story to take centre stage, a story that is humorous, dark and touching in equal measure. Supported by a great soundtrack. Better Man definitely entertained, hugely.