Better Man is a 2024 biographical film focusing on the brilliant British pop singer Robbie Williams. The film, directed by Michael Gracey, has been in the spotlight for its unusual representation of Williams as a chimp through motion capture technology. Jonno Davies plays young Robbie Williams, while Williams, as an adult, is the voice of his character. Better Man is a film that is receiving global attention, with its premiere scheduled for the 51st Telluride Film Festival. The film will be released in U.S. theatres on December 25, 2024, and a day later in Australia, with Paramount Pictures and Roadshow Films distributing the films, respectively.
It is difficult to take Williams seriously, especially if he is being caricatured to the degree that the 34 years in this business are just being summarized in such a novel – going from a member of the boyband Take That to a solo artist. With the tagline this is Williams Greatest Hits, Better Man is the perfect movie for fans and newcomers who will love hearing the reinvention and recontextualization of some of his most recognizable songs.
| Details | Information |
| Release Date | December 25, 2024 (US); December 26, 2024 (Australia) |
| Director | Michael Gracey |
| Main Cast | Jonno Davies, Robbie Williams, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Damon Herriman |
| Budget | Not disclosed |
| Locations | Docklands Studios Melbourne, London |
| Music | Songs by Robbie Williams, original score by Batu Sener |
| Distribution | Paramount Pictures (US), Roadshow Films (Australia) |
Better Man Plot Overview and Themes
Better Man offers insights into the patchy history of Robbie Williams starting from his days as a boy band member of Take That, his battles with stardom and mental illness, and ending in his solo shows. The picture manages to show both toes and the nose of his life events with the help of the plot and the music, where many of his popular songs are performed differently depending on the scene.
One of the current issues surrounding this film is Robbie Williams being portrayed as a chimpanzee. Michael Gracey, the director of The Greatest Showman, decides to aim further and employs motion capture technology to emphasize the outward appearance of the pop idol and the focus, enabling him to bring a critique on the issue of celebrity status.
Better Man Cast and Crew
The casting is both interesting and appropriate for Better Man. Robbie Williams’s voice is used for this character, and Jonno Davies plays his character in motion capture. Other prominent members of the cast include Steve Pemberton, who plays Peter, Alison Steadman in the role of Betty, and Nigel Martin-Smith, played by Damon Herriman. The film brings on board two of Appleton’s characters, Raechelle Banno as Nicole Appleton, and members of the band Take That, played by various actors.
Music and Soundtrack
In Better Man, music is of great importance, with many of the songs embedded in some of Robbie Williams` finest works. The soundtrack features quite a few numbers like She’s The One, Angels, and Let Me Entertain You, but more with a twist. As director Michael Gracey explained: “These cover songs will not be just covered, but they will be re-sung. They will bestow new versions of the classics that we have known.” The film’s original music is scored by Batu Sener, which widens the scope of narration with additional musical motifs.
Better Man Filming Locations
The main filming of Better Man took place at Docklands Studios Melbourne, while some other concert scenes were filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This particular concert was claimed to have been performed by Robbie in November 2022, where people attending could dress and partake in the night whilst being part of the scene. Nonetheless, additional locations took place in different areas of London in March 2023.
Release and Reception
At the 51st Telluride Film Festival, ‘Better Man’ had its global debut on 30th August 2024. The movie was then shown during the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2024. The film will be given a limited release in the US on December 25, 2024, and it is expected to expand visibility in the US on January 17, 2025.
According to the impression made in early reviews, netizens rated it 88 percent in Rotten Tomatoes based on 25 discrete critics. Other viewers who rated the film as average with the rating perfectly falling around ‘6.8/10’ may have appreciated the experimental aspect but would not have approved motion capture and Williams portraying a chimpanzee.
Conclusion
With regard to the film, Michael Gracey had a unique vision for the film’s structure, depicting Robbie’s life and career. It should appeal both to the fans of the pop singer and those who love creative filmmaking. A comedy, a drama and a musical in one, the movie is expected to be filled with Robin Williams’ nostalgic songs.
Better Man’s release date was announced to be December 25, 2024, for the US, while Australia will receive the picture a day after. With a talented cast, great visual effects and a soundtrack full of Today’s reworked favorites, Better Man guarantees to enthrall viewers.
Robbie Williams fans and those who listen to the “Better Man” composition might be intrigued by the connection between the lyrics and Robbie’s songs. However, the combination of music and technology, in addition to innovation, could be a game-changer since it enables a more pivoted view of the great singer’s story.
With regard to Taylor Swift ‘s reactions towards lyrics and relationships, the song Better Man by Pearl Jam might be applicable. However, articulating the struggles of pixelization, the film focuses more on the artistic vision of Robbie Williams and the evolution of his creativity.
