Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), follows the story of Robbie Williams, who began his journey into the world of music as a child. He became famous as the youngest member of the boy band Take That, who were hugely successful in the 1990s. However, in 1995, Robbie left the group to pursue a solo career, which proved to be the right decision, as he achieved immense success. His solo career was marked by records and many hits, cementing him as one of the most popular artists of the time. Throughout his career, Robbie faced the challenges of extreme fame, including personal problems and mental health issues. Despite this, his musical ability and charisma continued to win fans around the world, making him a pop music legend. His story is one of overcoming, with ups and downs, but always marked by his dedication to music and the public.
Better Man‘s unique feature is the use of a CGI chimpanzee as the central character, representing a visual metaphor for the internal battles and challenges Robbie has faced throughout his life, including his struggle with fame, loneliness, and mental health problems. The CGI chimpanzee is not simply an ordinary character but serves to amplify the emotional impact of the story, providing a unique and surreal experience for viewers. This visual approach seeks to symbolically connect Robbie Williams’ emotions and inner conflicts, presenting these aspects in a visually striking and innovative way.
The film’s direction is marked by a strong cinematic aesthetic, and the use of CGI and the chimpanzee is a bold way of exploring the singer’s mind and experiences in an artistic way, highlighting both the dark and the bright sides of his career and personal life. This film is a blend of drama, music, and fantasy, providing a new way of telling a biographical story on the silver screen. Michael Gracey’s direction in Better Man is one of the main factors responsible for the film’s energy and dynamism, especially in the musical sequences. Gracey, known for his work on The Greatest Showman, brings his experience in creating visually impressive and exciting moments to the screen. In the case of Better Man, he uses a vibrant and creative stylistic approach that makes the musical scenes both visual and emotional.
The transition between reality and fantasy is one of the hallmarks of Gracey’s direction, and this is directly reflected in the film’s musical sequences, where he mixes performance elements with special effects and CGI, creating immersive and impactful scenes. This dynamic between the musical and dramatic elements creates a unique cinematic experience, where each song is not just a performance but a visual expression of Robbie Williams’ internal struggle, making the film not just a musical biography but a true emotional journey. The visual aesthetic of Better Man is one of the most remarkable aspects of the film, and much of this can be attributed to the direction of Michael Gracey, who brings impeccable cinematography to every scene. The film combines a strong visual sensibility with a creative approach, resulting in a visually arresting work.
Each scene is carefully designed to reflect the emotion and intensity of Robbie Williams’ journey, and the cinematography uses color, light, and composition in a way that amplifies the film’s central themes. The transition between moments of reality and fantasy, often marked by the presence of the CGI chimpanzee, is treated with a unique visual aesthetic, where surrealism is mixed with the stark reality of the singer’s life. The musical scenes, in particular, are a spectacle in themselves. They not only highlight the performance but also become moments of pure visual expression. The choreography, the dramatic lighting, and the use of dynamic cameras make each musical number an explosion of color and movement, intensifying the emotional experience for the audience.
In addition, the way the camera moves and the angles chosen help to create a sense of immersion. Gracey uses lenses and perspectives that place the viewer inside the action, whether on a crowded stage or in more intimate moments, capturing Robbie’s fragility and his dazzling talent. The production design is also a fundamental part of the film’s visual aesthetic, with sets and costumes that combine the glamor of the music world with the darker moments of Robbie’s life, creating a visual contrast that reinforces the protagonist’s internal and external struggles.
Better Man‘s cinematography is a work of art in its own right, with a visual aesthetic that not only impresses with its beauty but also contributes deeply to the film’s emotional and symbolic narrative. Although the visual aesthetic and Michael Gracey’s direction in Better Man are impressive, the pacing of the film can be an issue that divides opinion. At times, the narrative feels rushed, especially when the film tries to show Robbie Williams’ resounding success. The speed with which these moments are approached can make the story feel rushed, detracting from the emotional depth and impact of the events. The emphasis on certain aspects of Robbie’s career, such as his relationship with the band Take That, sometimes takes up more time than exploring his personal and emotional journey. This can make the movie seem more focused on the success of the band than on the inner complexity of Robbie Williams, which is a loss, considering that the central idea of the movie is the singer’s struggle and challenges. This fast pace can lead to important moments in Robbie’s life, such as his battles with fame and the ups and downs of his solo career, being treated rather superficially.
Instead of delving deeper into these themes, the movie sometimes chooses to skim over them in order to move on with events. As much as the energy and vitality of the musical sequences and the visual aesthetics help to maintain interest, the speed with which the narrative progresses can leave viewers with the feeling that Robbie Williams’ story has not been fully explored, especially when it comes to his more personal and vulnerable side. This is a limitation, considering that his emotional complexity and internal difficulties are fundamental aspects to understanding his journey and his legacy. Despite some flaws in Better Man’s narrative rhythm, Robbie Williams’ musical legacy is undeniably immense and is one of the main pillars of the film. Robbie’s iconic songs, which marked generations and defined his career, are celebrated in a vibrant and powerful way in the film, reflecting the huge success he achieved both with Take That and as a solo artist. Robbie’s musical career is full of hits that have become true anthems, such as “Angels,” “Rock DJ,” and, of course, “Better Man.” These classics, which blend pop, rock, and elements of theatrical performance, are much more than just songs—they are manifestations of his ability to connect with audiences and express his deepest emotions.
Throughout his career, Robbie has stood out for his magnetic stage presence, his heartfelt lyrics, and his energetic performances. Robbie Williams’ enormous success is a reflection not only of his talent but also of his ability to reinvent himself, winning over different audiences around the world. With more than 75 million records sold and a string of international awards, he has established himself as one of the UK’s biggest artists and a global pop music legend. Robbie Williams’ songs, which capture everything from moments of pure euphoria to the most introspective, are an essential part of his narrative in the film. They not only illustrate his rise to fame but also serve as a way of expressing his internal struggles, solidifying his relevance as one of the greatest artists of his generation. Better Man reminds us of his extraordinary career and the lasting impact his songs have had on pop culture worldwide.
Better Man takes a deep and sensitive look at Robbie Williams’ depression, which became a crucial point in his life and career. The film not only recounts his rise to success but also delves into the internal difficulties that marked his trajectory, making the fight against depression a central theme and an extremely strong point of the narrative. Throughout his career, Robbie Williams has often spoken about the battles he has faced with his mental health, and the film reflects this in a visceral way. Depression is not portrayed in a superficial way, but as a real and constant burden that accompanies the singer, affecting both his personal and professional life. This aspect of the story is treated with a certain rawness, with moments that demonstrate the impact of the illness on his self-esteem, his relationships, and his ability to cope with fame.
The use of the CGI chimpanzee, for example, serves as a powerful visual metaphor for Robbie’s troubled mind. In some scenes, the symbolic representation of depression as an invisible and disturbing “companion” is effective in conveying the internal struggle of the singer, who often felt overwhelmed by the weight of fame and the pressure of maintaining his public image while dealing with his own demons. The film therefore not only explores the bright side of Williams’ career but also offers an honest and realistic view of his emotional difficulties. By highlighting this aspect of Robbie’s life, Better Man manages to humanize him even more, showing that his struggle with depression was a fundamental component of his journey, making his success more profound and his resilience even more impressive.
This focus on mental health and coping with depression adds a very strong emotional layer to the film, allowing the audience to connect with Robbie Williams not just as a musical icon, but as a real person, vulnerable and constantly struggling to overcome his own limitations. This makes Better Man not just a biopic about a successful artist but an important reflection on mental health that resonates with many people facing similar challenges.
Better Man is an essential movie for fans of musicals and especially for those who admire Robbie Williams’ career. The production delves into the life of the iconic singer, exploring his rise to stardom, his internal battles, and his struggle with depression. Creatively directed by Michael Gracey, the film combines striking visual scenes, symbolic metaphors, and vibrant musical sequences that capture the unique energy of Robbie’s performances. The film simply demonstrates how you can’t give up on your dreams and just light it up.
Better Man releases in limited theaters on December 25 and nationwide on January 17.
