Imagine a pop star’s life told through a unique lens: a CGI ape.
Better Man is a biopic about Robbie Williams, the British sensation who rose to stardom in the ’90s following his departure from the boy band Take That. This quirky approach is reminiscent of Planet of the Ape stylistically and sets it apart from the commonly seen biopic formula.
Directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman and the Pink documentary, the film is anticipated to capture the highs and lows of Williams’ career. And yes, Williams himself lends his voice to the animated character, lending a personal touch to the story.
With a creative twist similar to Rocketman, which reimagined Elton John’s life as a traditional musical, and the LEGO adaptation of Pharrell’s biopic Piece By Piece, Better Man also offers a fresh spin on the biopic genre. It features key moments from Williams’ life, such as his performance at the 2002 Brit Awards, the 1999 concert in Glasgow where he famously wore a kilt, and his gig at the Knebworth music festival which drew thousands of fans.
Having received positive buzz at festivals like Telluride and TIFF, Better Man is shaping up to be quite the cinematic surprise. It’s set to arrive in UK cinemas on December 26. Watch the trailer here.