A One Mann’s Movies review of “Better Man” (2024).
Releasing films on Boxing Day is all very well. But the period between Christmas and New Year is for family time in my book (plus, of course, frantically trying to put my end of the year lists/videos together!) So, I never tend to see films until the New Year, which means I’m behind on my reviewing before I start! Case in point, “Better Man” – the Robbie Williams biopic – which I finally got to see last night with the Illustrious Mrs Movie Man. And we both greatly enjoyed it. Not an easy watch. But hugely entertaining.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
“Better Man” Plot Summary:
Robert Williams (Carter J. Murphy and Asmara Feik) grows up in the arse-end of Stoke-on-Trent with a loving mum (Kate Mulvany) and gran (Alison Steadman) but a mostly absent, star-seeking father (Steve Pemberton). But on reaching 15 years-old (now Jonno Davies/Robbie Williams) he gets picked by Nigel Martin Smith (Damon Herriman) to be in a start-up boy band Take That. His life changes forever… but not always for the better.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: R. (From the BBFC web site: “Very strong language, drug misuse, strong violence, sex, suicide references”.)
Talent:
Starring: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Kate Mulvany, Alison Steadman, Damon Herriman, Asmara Feik, Carter J. Murphy, Frazer Hadfield, Raechelle Banno, Jake Simmance, Tom Budge, Liam Head, Chase Vollenweider, Jesse Hyde.
Directed by: Michael Gracey.
Written by: Simon Gleeson, Oliver Cole & Michael Gracey. (Based on the life story by Robbie Williams.)
Running Time: 2h 14m.
“Better Man” Summary:
Positives:
- A film that pulls no punches with its darker aspects.
- Uplifting and energetic song and dance numbers, especially one in Central London.
- Some genuinely memorable moments and great emotion from the “monkey”.
Negatives:
- As a story, it’s pretty much a retread of many pop star biopics.
Review of “Better Man”:
Does the film have a monkey? Yes!
Much of the negative “WTF” comments about this film have derived from the decision to use a CGI chimp in the role of Robbie. As he says in the trailer (though, I believe, not actually in the film which is a shame!) “I’ve always seen myself as a little less evolved”. Having seen the film, I actually think this worked really really well. Firstly, the mo-cap used is really really good, both for the young men who play the younger Robbie as well as Jonno Davies who plays him later. In true Andy Serkis style, every microscopic twitch of the face is captured allowing real emotion to come through to you as the viewer. Also, a key aspect of the film is his past demons literally coming back to haunt him, culminating in a magnificent medieval-style battle on the fields of Knebworth. This simply wouldn’t have worked if live actors had been used.
Memorable highs and lows.
Robbie has had a roller-coaster of a life so far and in many ways it is a miracle that he is still alive. Thankfully, he seems to be in a very stable life as a real family man. (That’s not reflected in this film, but the “Robbie Williams” series on Netflix is well worth a watch if you haven’t seen it.) But while the highs are high, the lows are desperately, earth-shatteringly low. The film does not shirk away from this, and certain scenes are quite difficult to watch. One, following his split from Take That involves a terrifying and destructive high-speed drug-fuelled drive that ends in a surreal and terrifying underwater fantasy. And when he really hits rock bottom with his addiction there is a very dark on-ice suicide moment which is brilliantly done.
The film was directed and co-written by Michael Gracey of “The Greatest Showman” fame, so I knew from the outset that this was going to be no ordinary biopic. Many scenes in the film are memorably done from a key funeral (to “Angels”); a rehab scene (to “Better Man”) and a gloriously energetic mass dance routine on Regent Street to “Rock DJ”. The scene had 500 extras and involved the street being closed overnight on four consecutive nights. The film ends with a moment of salvation for Robbie and a moving moment in a concert hall that delivers the required warm fuzzy glow to round the film off.
But we’ve been here before.
Sadly, the subject matter of this story is all too familiar, showing as it does the impact of too much fame (and available cash) on a fragile ego. We’ve been here with Elton John (“Rocketman“); Whitney Houston (“I Wanna Dance With Somebody“); Elvis Presley (“Elvis” and “Priscilla“); Aretha Franklin (“Respect“); Billie Holiday (“The United States vs Billie Holiday“); Judy Garland (“Judy“) and most recently Amy Winehouse (“Back to Black“). The list could probably go on and on. So, in that sense, the film’s story is very familiar and not novel. (But then, that IS his story!)
I’ve seen some other critics criticising the film as being too much like “Rocketman“. But I don’t agree. It is telling the story in its own way and it’s like saying “Where Eagles Dare” is the same film as “Kelly’s Heroes” because they are both war films. Most genre films are ultimately telling much the same story.
Triggers
The film has significant scenes of addiction (drink and drugs) as well as a suicide theme that might be triggering to some viewers.
Monkeys?
Ironically, for a film that has a monkey throughout, the end-titles have no “monkeys“!
Summary Thoughts on “Better Man”
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this, but found it to be hugely entertaining and ultimately very moving. A nice surprise and recommended, particular for fans of Robbie’s music (which I must confess, I am).
Where to Watch it (Powered by Justwatch)
Trailer for “Better Man”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVeH5T4wxkE.
Subscribe
Don’t forget, you can subscribe to One Mann’s Movies to receive future reviews by email right here. No salesman will call!
