Better Man is a biographical musical film about the life of English singer Robbie Williams.
Directed by The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey, Better Man is a biographical musical film that was released in 2024. The film revolves around the life of English pop star Robbie Williams and his life post his success, with Williams portrayed as an anthropomorphic chimpanzee through computer-generated imagery (CGI). It premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival in August 2024 before a worldwide release in December 2024, and was a critical hit, winning 9 AACTA awards including Best Film.
What is the movie Better Man based on?
Better Man is a biographical musical film about the life of English singer Robbie Williams and follows the pop star’s rise, his life, and more in a musical. The film takes a unique twist on biopics by portraying Williams as an anthropomorphic chimp using CGI with Jonno Davies in motion capture. As explained by Williams, in the film, the chimp is how Robbie views himself, and thus he wanted the audience to see the same.
The movie then proceeds to explore the English singer’s life from his time with pop band Take That to his successful solo career, his stint in rehab, and also highlights his struggles with addiction, fame, and more. Not only that, it touches on Williams' struggles with clinical depression and his mental health struggles, and how he attempted to overcome them. It also features reimagined versions of his hit songs including Let Me Entertain You and Angeles amongst others.
Cast of Better Man
Robbie Williams portrays himself and he is also the narrator in the film. He provides the vocals for all the reimagined versions of his songs as well. Here is the list of actors that are a part of the cast of Better Man:
Robbie Williams as himself, narrator and vocals
Jonno Davies as Robbie Williams (voice and motion capture)
Adam Tucker provides additional singing vocals for Robbie
Carter J. Murphy as voice of young Robbie
Steve Pemberton as Peter Williams/Conway
Kate Mulvany as Janet Williams
Alison Steadman as Betty Williams
Damon Herriman as Nigel Martin-Smith
Raechelle Banno as Nicole Appleton
Kayleigh McKnight provides additional singing vocals for Nicole
Jake Simmance as Gary Barlow
Liam Head as Howard Donald
Jesse Hyde as Mark Owen
Chase Vollenweider as Jason Orange
Tom Budge as Guy Chambers
Leo Harvey-Elledge as Liam Gallagher
Chris Gun as Noel Gallagher
Frazer Hadfield as Nate
Leatham Blisand as young Nate
Anthony Hayes as Chris Briggs
John O'May as Terry Swinton
Read more: Cast of Better Man
FAQs on Better Man
A. The apes are metaphors for Robbie Williams’ inner voices so that the audience can see and understand what’s happening. Furthermore, Williams is also portrayed as a chimpanzee because he wanted the audience to see him as he views himself.
A. Yes, Better Man is based on a true story as it is about the life of Robbie Williams.
A. Better Man was rated R for various reasons including pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some violent content.
