The musical biopic Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey, offers a highly inventive and daring approach to telling the life story of British pop icon Robbie Williams. Known for his unique storytelling in The Greatest Showman, Gracey has made a bold casting choice that separates Better Man from the usual biopic fare: a CGI monkey, played by actor Jonno Davies, portrays Robbie Williams. This unexpected decision adds a layer of surrealism to the familiar narrative of a performer’s rise, fall, and eventual comeback.

Though it might sound unusual, the choice of casting a CGI monkey works surprisingly well. Robbie Williams himself inspired the idea, having once commented that he often felt like a “performing monkey.” Gracey took this remark literally and decided to transform it into a central feature of the film. With a blend of cutting-edge CGI reminiscent of Planet of the Apes, Davies embodies the character of Williams, while the singer provides his own voice and narration. This technique serves as a constant reminder that behind the wild visuals, a real person is being portrayed.

Beyond its innovative casting, the film follows a fairly traditional narrative arc, focusing on Williams’ journey from a misunderstood child to a global superstar. The story begins with a young Robbie, played by a human actor, growing up feeling somewhat out of place. His father, Peter Williams, a performer himself, left home to pursue his own dreams when Robbie was still very young. This abandonment is subtly portrayed as a formative experience for the young Williams, who soon discovers his talent for performing. His early school days offer a glimpse of his budding talent, and it isn’t long before he’s thrust into the world of pop stardom.

Williams’ rise to fame begins when he joins the boy band Take That as its youngest member. Despite early doubts about the boy band phenomenon being past its prime, Take That skyrockets to become a sensation in the UK. One of the standout scenes of the film is a visually stunning musical number where the band performs “Rock DJ” against a backdrop of London’s Regent Street. The sequence seamlessly merges various locations, culminating in a massive choreographed dance finale that fills the streets with hundreds of dancers. Choreographed by Ashley Wallen, this scene is a visual spectacle, rivaling the famous freeway sequence from La La Land for sheer musical exuberance.

As the film progresses, it delves into Williams’ solo career, which took off after he parted ways with Take That in a rather emotional split. His rise to prominence as a solo artist is highlighted by memorable moments such as his legendary performance at Knebworth, which is portrayed with energy and excitement. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the darker aspects of Williams’ life either, taking the audience on a journey through his battles with addiction, depression, and personal struggles.

Michael Gracey has cited filmmakers like Bob Fosse and Terry Gilliam as influences for the visual and narrative style of Better Man. The influence of Fosse, particularly his semi-autobiographical film All That Jazz, is evident in the way Better Man handles the darker parts of Williams’ life. The middle portion of the film delves into his struggles with substance abuse, depression, and reckless behaviour, providing a stark contrast to the earlier, lighter sections. The tone becomes increasingly grim as Williams spirals into a destructive lifestyle, filled with cocaine, wild parties, and emotional turmoil.

One particularly striking sequence involves the song “Come Undone,” which serves as a visual metaphor for Williams’ downward spiral. The scene culminates in a dramatic car crash into the ocean, staged with an almost dreamlike intensity. This sequence, like many others in the film, is made all the more impactful by the visual effects team, who manage to elevate the traditional biopic narrative with their creative use of CGI. Despite the darkness of this period, Gracey manages to balance these heavy themes, avoiding the trap of letting the film become overwhelmingly bleak.

At its heart, Better Man is a classic tale of redemption. After hitting rock bottom, Williams eventually finds his way back to success and personal happiness. The film portrays his struggles with an honesty that many celebrity biopics tend to gloss over. Yet, the unique casting choice and visual style ensure that this film stands out from the crowd. The CGI monkey as the lead character could have easily been a distraction, but instead, it becomes an effective tool in conveying the sense of disconnection and surrealism that Williams has expressed feeling throughout his career.

While Robbie Williams may not be a household name in the United States, his global influence is undeniable, having sold over 80 million albums worldwide. This film’s world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival marks a major moment for both Williams and the filmmakers. Whether or not audiences in America are familiar with Williams, the combination of Gracey’s visionary direction and the film’s inventive use of technology is sure to leave an impression.

In summary, Better Man is a biopic like no other. By casting a CGI monkey to play one of the world’s most famous pop stars, the film takes a creative risk that ultimately pays off. It offers a refreshing twist on the typical rise-and-fall narrative while paying homage to the ups and downs of Williams’ life. Whether you’re a fan of Robbie Williams or simply a lover of innovative cinema, Better Man delivers a truly unique viewing experience