Better Man Review

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Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis:

“Better Man” is one of the most interesting theatrical experiences I’ve had in some time. It follows British pop star Robbie Williams, showcasing his rise to fame as a young man. It also covers the darker periods of his life as he battles his personal demons. Through Robbie’s many trials and tribulations, we see a unique perspective into a man who has been through it all. 

Positives:

The greatest compliment I can give “Better Man” is its uniqueness. The exploration of Williams’ life is unlike any other musical biopic I’ve seen. The most noticeable aspect of the film that may catch viewers off guard is the presentation of the character himself. Williams opts to be  portrayed as a chimpanzee, highlighting that he feels less evolved than most around him. It also plays into the high fame pop star he became, perhaps being a dancing monkey for the fans? The struggles he faces are also presented in a unique format, hitting the audience like an overwhelming fever dream. This captured the personal insecurities Williams faced well, at times loving the stardom but often finding it difficult to balance it with his relationships. Even if not every part of the presentation was to my liking, I admire a bold and creative swing when it comes to telling a new story.

The musical numbers in the film were excellent. I’d rival them amongst the best of any musical biopic. While I wasn’t familiar with Williams’ music before the film, I found his tunes playing in my head after the film was over. Each of the dance sequences and performances on stage captured the charisma and energy Williams displayed. I enjoyed seeing how his father instilled a sense of drive in him during his younger years (albeit in a slightly selfish way). Seeing the different eras of his life helps the audience get a glimpse into who he is (personally and professionally). The craft and care into creating a distinct experience for audiences is undeniable, so credit to director Michael Gracey for giving us something fresh.

Negatives:

Although I admire the swings “Better Man” takes, there are some creative decisions that didn’t pay off. The main area where most audiences will struggle is simply mustering up the effort to go see the film. The business decision to make a movie like this is interesting considering the massive budget of the production. Much of that cost is likely behind making Robbie Williams a CGI chimpanzee. I don’t think this decision makes much sense in the context of the marketing and doesn’t make much of a difference in the film. The story could have been told without the chimpanzee and been just as effective. The film also takes some creative liberties in portraying his struggles that might not connect with audiences outside of the film enthusiast crowd. Movies like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Elvis” will probably appeal to larger audiences, not only because of the style but because of the celebrity. Many audiences outside of the U.K. aren’t as familiar with Robbie Williams so the interest already isn’t there. Combine a largely unknown celebrity with some mixed message marketing and you’ll have “Better Man”, a good film that will likely have a hard time finding an audience. 

Conclusion:

I can honestly say that I haven’t seen anything like “Better Man” all year. The unique presentation of the story is surely to turn heads and garner appreciation from the film community. I do wonder if it has appeal outside of a British audience as the popstar is largely unknown outside of that region. There are some fascinating creative decisions (some good and some perplexing). I’d recommend the film to those who want a different kind of musical biopic. Others? I wouldn’t say it’s a must see. Credit for creativity though!