Better Man - itw Raechelle Banno (official video)

The highly anticipated biographical film Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey, has just released its first trailer, offering a glimpse into what might be one of the most unusual music biopics of our time. Slated for release in the U.S. on December 25, 2024, and Australia a day later, the movie has already stirred conversations due to its striking visual choices and unique storytelling approach. Unlike the traditional music biopic formula, Better Man takes a wildly inventive route by portraying British pop icon Robbie Williams as a CGI chimpanzee. This bold decision sets the film apart from its peers, not only drawing from Williams’ quirky persona but also giving the story a satirical twist. The chimpanzee, animated through motion-capture technology and performed by Jonno Davies, becomes the avatar for Williams’ meteoric rise to fame, his battles with personal demons, and his journey to rediscovering himself. The film, directed by Michael Gracey, who previously wowed audiences with The Greatest Showman, is described as a satirical musical that will not only document Robbie Williams' rise to stardom with Take That and his solo career, but also reinterpret his well-known songs to suit the emotional beats of the narrative. Fans can expect iconic tracks like Angels, She’s the One, and Let Me Entertain You to be re-sung to better fit the moments in the film, giving these classics a fresh and more personal touch. Better Man boasts an impressive lineup both on and off the screen. While Robbie Williams plays himself in some parts of the film, Jonno Davies takes on the younger version of the singer through motion capture. Supporting roles include Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, and Damon Herriman, with a special appearance from Williams' Take That bandmates, portrayed by a new generation of actors. Filmed in locations across Melbourne and London, including a recreation of Williams’ iconic 2001 Live At The Albert concert at Royal Albert Hall, the film strives for authenticity even as it weaves in surreal elements. Robbie Williams himself has called the filming process super odd, as he watched actors playing his family members, making the experience both surreal and reflective of his own life. The recently unveiled trailer for Better Man gives audiences a peek into the film's unique approach. The CGI chimpanzee Williams stands at the center, delivering both moments of humor and emotional depth. As Gracey explained, the film aims to encapsulate Williams' wit and resilience while exploring the pressures and pitfalls of fame. The trailer captures this balance, with energetic musical numbers juxtaposed against intimate moments that show the pop star's vulnerabilities. In the trailer’s final moments, Robbie Williams’ chimpanzee avatar drops an F-bomb, further signaling that this film won’t shy away from the grittier aspects of his life. Critics who have seen the film during its early festival screenings, including at Telluride and Toronto, have described it as a daring and visually stunning spectacle that might very well become a cult hit due to its unconventional presentation. After premiering at the Telluride Film Festival in August and receiving positive buzz at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, Better Man is on track to make waves in the awards circuit, particularly for its innovative visual effects and reimagined musical performances. Fans of Robbie Williams, lovers of musical cinema, and those seeking something out of the ordinary will have their chance to experience the film in theaters starting this December, with a wider U.S. release set for January 2025. In a genre crowded with biopics that often follow predictable patterns, Better Man promises to offer a fresh, irreverent, and visually stunning take on the life of one of pop music’s most charismatic figures. Whether audiences are there for the music, the spectacle, or the curiosity of seeing Williams as a chimpanzee, Better Man is poised to leave a lasting impression. Synopsis : The rise of British singer/songwriter Robbie Williams. After becoming a star with the Boy Band, Take That, in the 1990s, he gradually plunged into artificial paradise before returning to solo success in 1997 with the song Angels. Better Man Directed by Michael Gracey Written by Michael Gracey, Oliver Cole, Simon Gleeson Produced by Craig McMahon, Paul Currie, Michael Gracey, Coco Xiaolu Ma Starring Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman Cinematography : Erik Wilson Music by Batu Sener (score), Robbie Williams (songs) Production companies : Footloose Productions, Zero Gravity Management, Jumpy Cow Pictures, Showman, Rocket Science Distributed by Roadshow Films (Australia), Paramount Pictures (United States) Release dates : 30 August 2024 (Telluride), 25 December 2024 (United States), January 22, 2025 (France) Running time : 134 minutes