The surprising choice to represent Robbie Williams in the form of an ape in the film “Better Man”, while all the other characters are human, has raised many questions in recent weeks. The actor recently explained it.
At the European premiere of his semi-autobiographical film “Better Man” in London, Robbie Williams explained why he was represented by a monkey.
“I didn't think I had to justify this choice, but obviously, it's necessary! Because it's unusual, isn't it? That’s exactly the idea! I like things eccentric, unusual and surreal, and it made total sense to me as soon as [le réalisateur Michael Gracey] suggested to me. I doubt that this film would have been so talked about without the presence of the monkey,” he confided during an interview with One Show. In the film, the lead role is played by Jonno Davies using a motion capture suit.
A risky decision for the director
Michael Gracey, also director of the hit musical “The Greatest Showman,” spoke at length with Robbie Williams during the preparation period for the project, explaining that he found inspiration there. “Robbie often said that he was just dragged around on stage like a monkey, that his role was just acting without any real importance. He's said it enough times that I'm like, “That's how he sees himself, literally like a monkey playing.” And I thought, 'That would be fascinating, I'd love to see that movie,'” he told Deadline in August. The original recordings ended up being used throughout the final film as “voiceover moments” from Robbie Williams himself.
“Better Man” is a part biographical film about British pop singer Robbie Williams from his early days in Stoke-on-Trent to his time in the famous boy band Take That, including his drug addiction. The upcoming biopic also stars Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman and Damon Herriman.
Last week, Robbie Williams released a new single, titled “Forbidden Road”, which appears on the official soundtrack of the semi-biopic, which will be released in France on January 22, 2025.
