The trailer forBetter Manhas arrived. The upcoming musical biopic is the sophomore feature from the director of the smash hit 2017musicalThe Greatest Showman. While it tells the story of English pop star Robbie Williams, who is known for being part of the group Take That as well as hit solo singles including “Rock DJ” and “Millennium,” he will be presented as a CGI monkey, belying the filmmaker’s background in visual effects. The cast includes Jonno Davies, who does the voice and performance capture for Williams, Steve Pemberton, and Alison Steadman.
Paramount Pictureshasunveiled the official teaser trailer forBetter Man. Williams, who narrates the trailer, introduces the CGI monkey concept by explaining that “I’ve always seen myself a little less evolved.” While the short clip, which is just over a minute long, features many typical music biopic elements, including a downtrodden childhood, a big concert, and party scenes, the peculiar portrayal of the pop star creates an added dimension that makes the movie an unusual addition to the genre. Check out the trailer below:
What The Better Man Trailer Means For The Robbie Williams Biopic
The Movie Is Committing To The Bit
While it was originally announced that theupcoming music biopicwould feature the CGI monkey version of Robbie Williams, in the interim it became unclear if that aspect of the movie had been changed since its first conception. However, this teaser release confirms once and for all thatthe movie has fully committed to its out-there concept. In fact, while Williams provides narration, it is unclear if he will appear onscreen in live-action in any capacity beyond the stock images of him that are displayed in the trailer.
[Better Man] may feature full musical numbers using Robbie Williams music…
It remains to be seen if the fact that Williams is replaced with a monkey allows the movie to break the bonds of the music biopic formula. However, certain aspects of the trailer - like a shot of people dancing in the street - doseem to indicate that it will be taking place in a heightened fantasy worldbeyond the existence of its main character. In addition to its monkey protagonist, it may feature full musical numbers using Robbie Williams music, similar to the 2019Elton John musical biopicRocketman.
Our Take On The Better Man Trailer
It Is An Intriguing Follow-Up To The Greatest Showman
WithBetter Man, Michael Gracey has retroactively answered for some of the criticisms ofThe Greatest Showman, which drew controversy for presenting a sanitized fantasy version of the life of historical figure P.T. Barnum. While Barnum’s real-life behavior was controversial in a way that Williams' is not, with this new movie, Gracey is showing that his intention with his movies is tobend and twist reality in ways that make for intriguing cinema rather than craft genuinely accurate biographical works.
Better Man
Cast
Directed by Michael Gracey, Better Man explores the life and career of singer Robbie Williams through his own eyes.
