Better Man

Frank’s Film Review: Better Man
⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5

Before watching Better Man, I knew little about Robbie Williams or his music. This film was an eye-opener for me, offering insights into a life and career I wasn’t familiar with. From the opening moments, it’s crystal clear that this movie aims to defy all expectations. Instead of using a traditional actor to portray Robbie Williams, the filmmakers made the daring choice to depict him as a computer-animated chimpanzee. Initially, I struggled to understand this creative decision. After the film ended, I Googled why, and everything clicked. It turns out that Robbie often said that performing in front of massive crowds made him feel like a “monkey on display.” The filmmakers took that metaphor and ran with it, using it to explore Robbie’s vulnerability and his complicated relationship with fame.

While I appreciate the idea, the execution fell short. The chimpanzee works as a powerful visual symbol but lacks the emotional depth a live actor could have brought. Robbie’s life is full of deeply human moments—both heartbreaking and joyous. An actor’s nuanced performance might have created a stronger connection with the audience in those pivotal scenes.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Alison Steadman, who plays Robbie’s grandmother. She’s brilliant, bringing warmth and tenderness to her role that lends the film much-needed emotional grounding. Whether offering quiet moments of wisdom or simply being steadfast in Robbie’s chaotic life, Steadman’s portrayal is spectacular. Her performance added layers of emotion and humanity that beautifully balanced the film’s darker themes.

Speaking of dark themes, Better Man doesn’t shy away from showing Robbie’s flaws and mistakes during his rise to fame. It’s brutally honest about his less admirable behaviors, including cheating on his girlfriend and letting down the band that helped launch his career, Take That. These actions paint a picture of a man who wasn’t just struggling with fame but also grappling with his shortcomings. The film doesn’t sugarcoat his selfishness or the pain he caused to those around him, making his eventual redemption feel all the more impactful.

The movie also tackles Robbie’s battles with drug addiction and alcohol abuse in an unflinching, raw way. Watching his life spiral out of control is heartbreaking, especially as it becomes clear how much his struggles impacted the people who cared about him. A particularly gut-wrenching moment is his suicide attempt, which serves as a sobering reminder of the toll fame and inner turmoil can take. But the film doesn’t stop there; it follows him on a path to redemption, showing him take responsibility for his behavior, make amends, and rebuild his life. It’s a hopeful turn that reminds us of the possibility of growth and healing, even after hitting rock bottom.

The shadow of Robbie’s father also looms large over the story. His dad’s departure when Robbie was young carved a wound that never really healed, fueling his need for validation and setting the stage for many of his battles later in life. That absence is palpable throughout the movie, adding another layer to his story and helping to explain some of the choices he made.

Of course, the music is another integral part of Better Man. Robbie’s songs are intricately woven into the film’s fabric, not just serving as a nostalgic soundtrack but also driving the story forward. The music is essential to the narrative, providing insight into his emotions and experiences. It’s almost as if the film transforms into a musical at times, adding an extra layer of dynamism to the storytelling.

One of the film’s stunning aspects is its cinematography. The dazzling concert scenes pull you into the energy of being on stage, while the quieter, more somber moments reveal the loneliness and despair beneath the surface.

At its core, Better Man is a gutsy film. It takes risks—some that work brilliantly, others that might leave audiences divided—but its ambition is undeniable. With Alison Steadman’s unforgettable performance as Robbie’s grandmother, its honest portrayal of his flaws, and its stunning visuals and music-driven narrative, the movie stands out in the biopic genre. It’s unconventional, heartfelt, and leaves a lasting impression as it reminds us of the complexity behind the man who spent much of his life on display for the world to see.