In the realm of pop culture, fame is an undeniably powerful force. It attracts with its irresistible allure but also brings deep pitfalls. These stark contrasts have inspired countless songs and films, ranging from heart-wrenching biopics to thrilling tales of stardom. One of the latest releases, Better Man, tells the tumultuous story of British pop sensation Robbie Williams, transforming him into an unexpected figure: a CGI chimpanzee.
Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey, is a highly stylized biopic of the former Take That member turned solo star, Robbie Williams. Known for directing The Greatest Showman, Gracey brings his unique touch to this surreal narrative, shedding light on the rollercoaster ride of fame, including the highs of being a pop icon and the darker, often soul-crushing lows that follow.
The Unlikely Hero: A CGI Chimpanzee Depicting Robbie Williams
While Robbie Williams may be a household name in the UK, his fame may not have reached the same global scale. However, the Better Man biopic provides a fascinating and in-depth look at the grueling life of a celebrity. Gracey’s choice to represent Williams as a CGI chimpanzee is both bizarre and thought-provoking. The director believes the film explores a concept he’s long been intrigued by—the pursuit of an unattainable dream. The use of CGI is so masterfully done that it feels natural to see Williams portrayed as a wide-eyed chimp living in a human world, especially when paired with relatable childhood moments like singing Sinatra songs with his father or hearing tales from his grandmother.
For Williams, this metaphorical decision to depict himself as a monkey fits perfectly with the pressure of the entertainment industry. In his words, fame often demands that stars become robotic and less human. “There is a surrender to the machinery of the industry that requires you to be a robot or a monkey,” Williams comments.
A Story of Stardom and Self-Doubt
The film opens with Williams’ energetic anthem Let Me Entertain You, showcasing the performer’s natural-born talent. From his early days in Take That to his groundbreaking solo career, Williams’ journey to superstardom is portrayed with an emphasis on the ups and downs that accompany such fame. Williams, portrayed as a young boy with self-doubt, is eager to escape being a “nobody.”
As Take That rises to prominence in the 1990s, Williams’ journey is marked by chaos and hard work. The movie shows the band’s rough start, where each member earned just £180 over their first 18 months. However, as their popularity grows, they dominate the charts, with Williams at the forefront as the cheeky, charismatic figure.
Fame’s Illusions and Psychological Struggles
The film takes a surreal dive into Williams’ mind, portraying his inner turmoil. During performances, he is haunted by demon doppelgangers lurking within the crowds. As his solo career flourishes, these psychological battles intensify. The film’s candid look at his addiction and the self-destructive behavior that follows is raw and unsettling. Yet, Williams’ cinematic form as a chimpanzee adds a surreal twist, softening the intensity of his struggles.
Music and Transformation: Recontextualizing Robbie’s Hits
What sets Better Man apart is its approach to Williams’ music. Rather than simply using his hits as background music, the film reinterprets his songs in a way that deepens the narrative. The classic Feel is sung by a younger version of Williams, and Come Undone and She’s The One are reimagined in a new context, adding emotional depth to these well-known tunes.
The movie doesn’t lean on a “jukebox musical” format; instead, it intertwines Williams’ songs with his evolving journey, creating a reflective atmosphere that highlights his yearning for connection and the emotional vulnerabilities that drive him.
A Window into the 1990s Music Industry
Better Man isn’t just a film about Robbie Williams; it’s a snapshot of 1990s pop culture. This was a time when the music industry was booming, and fame reached new levels of frenzy. Managers controlled every aspect of an artist’s life, from their schedules to personal relationships. Better Man provides a glimpse into the emotional marketing strategies of the era—when artists were sold not just as products, but as relatable human beings.
Music consultant and former Smash Hits editor Alex Kadis recalls how pop managers became fiercely competitive with each other, creating an environment of emotional marketing. Kadis, who worked closely with Take That, notes the intense pressure put on young pop stars to constantly perform and cater to fans’ expectations.
The Tragic and Inevitable Price of Fame
With fame came immense pressure and sacrifice. The film also highlights the breakdowns and mental health struggles that pop stars faced during the ’90s. Kadis remembers Williams’ departure from Take That in 1995, describing him as someone who was suffering from PTSD. At the time, Williams was battling addiction, exhaustion, and an overwhelming sense of lost identity.
Fame can feel like a runaway train that eventually leads to trauma. The tragic death of pop star Liam Payne serves as a reminder of the extreme pressures young artists face. As Williams himself admitted, “Nobody goes through that level of fame and comes out completely sane.”
A Redemption Story: Fame’s Exhilarating and Terrifying Nature
Despite the harrowing portrayal of Williams’ struggles, Better Man also offers a sense of redemption. The film’s finale shows Williams finding solace and success in his solo career, though it remains clear that his story is far from over. Williams has been open about his experiences, embracing the terror and exhilaration of fame with a mix of humor and self-awareness.
As he once said, “To get on stage, face your fear and the responsibility that everyone relies on you for their livelihood… it’s terrifying and exhilarating.”
Conclusion: A Reflection on Fame’s Dark Side
Better Man isn’t just a biopic; it’s a meditation on the exhausting and intoxicating effects of fame. Through the unique lens of CGI and surreal storytelling, it brings to light the toll that fame takes on an individual, both mentally and emotionally. As Robbie Williams continues to entertain and captivate, Better Man ensures that we never forget the human cost behind the celebrity spectacle.
Source: BBC News
