What at first feels like a CGI gimmick allows Better Man to climb and swing it’s way beyond standard biopic conventions. This larger than life musical is worth a watch even if, like me, you needed to ask “Who the hell is Robbie Williams?”.
A pop icon in the UK who didn’t quite make a household name for himself in North America, Robbie Williams bares his life (the good the bad and the drug fueled ugly) in this dazzling account of his rise to fame. Musician biopics often focus too heavily on the creation of the artist’s work, and not enough on the actual artist. Better Man gives audiences a sobering portrait of the man behind the monkey, with his songs placed in pivotal life and career moments to move the narrative forward. This works especially well if you aren’t entirely familiar with Williams’ work, because you won’t find yourself waiting to hear specific needle drops. Instead they flow organically into the story, with gorgeously choreographed musical numbers.
And boy oh boy, do those numbers infuse so much life into this movie. Michael Gracey knows how to deliver a real showstopper, as evidenced in The Greatest Showman. The way he incorporates Williams’ own songs into these sweeping musical sequences is impressive for so many reasons. Not only do they enrich and advance the story, but they’re remarkably put together on a technical level. The use of motion capture and CGI to not only bring this character to life, but also seamlessly blend him into the movie is outstanding. The brilliantly choreographed musical numbers in particular blew my mind with how flawlessly Williams interacted with real sets and actors.
Better Man is a better movie than it has any right to be. Hinging on what could’ve easily felt like a cheap marketing gimmick, this energetic, emotional and highly entertaining biopic is elevated by its unique approach to a conventional rock star story.
4/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett