Robbie Williams: ‘Better Man is my greatest achievement’

Few artists can boast of having a biopic under their belt during their lifetime. But Robbie Williams is not just anyone. The film “Better Man”, released this week in French-speaking cinemas, deserves your full attention.

The British popstar with 55 million albums sold looks back on his childhood in the North of England, where little Robert Peter Williams, passionate about music, desperately tried to make his father, also an artist, proud. But the latter ends up abandoning him without explanation to pursue his own dreams. Despite this injury, young Robbie perseveres and finds his way with Take That, the group that propels him to the top. A resounding success… but tainted by alcohol and drugs, which consume and isolate him little by little.

Under the direction of Michael Gracey (“The Greatest Showman”), the film impresses with its spectacular visuals and meticulous choreography. Robbie, pictured in performance capture in the form of a monkey (yes, you read correctly), lends his voice to comment on his journey in a straightforward, sarcastic and sincere way. A completely crazy idea that works.

Last December, we met the artist in Paris to discuss this project, which was as touching as it was entertaining. Right away, he asks us if we come from Geneva, the city where he lived. We return the question to him: does he still live in Gstaad? “Maybe,” he replies with a familiar smirk. And it is in this mischievous spirit that our conversation with the enfant terrible of pop begins.

What does “Better Man” mean to you?

This film is my greatest achievement! First of all, it is proof that I have managed to live my life and survive. Then, it’s crazy to see a biopic dedicated to your journey while you’re still young and alive. It’s also a great opportunity to remind the public that we exist and that we remain an essential option for entertainment. In a world where aging popstars struggle to stay in the spotlight, this film is a breath of fresh air. So many reasons that make this recognition incredibly gratifying and deeply moving.

How did the idea of ​​representing yourself as a monkey come about?

It was Michael Gracey, the director, who had this crazy idea. An initiative that fits perfectly with my career, marked by audacity and experimentation. This project represented a new opportunity to try something eccentric, with the risk, of course, of a potential bitter failure. But it is precisely in these challenges that all the magic lies.

This film shows your incredible journey, but it also touches on darker aspects. What makes you most proud when you watch it?

What fills me with pride is being seen and heard on such a scale. As Morrissey sang: “I’m human and I need to be loved, just like everyone else.” I too have this need for recognition, to exist in the eyes of others. That’s the main thing. I am deeply grateful to have this chance to be visible, to be listened to. But more than that, I share with sincerity who I am today, and who I was – even if this past version of me was not always glorious. And despite this, spectators leave this film wanting to hug me. This, for me, is the greatest gift.

You show without filter your addictions to drugs and alcohol. Was it easy to talk about it?

Yes, very easy. I know it’s unusual, everyone tells me that. But, honestly, if no one pointed it out to me, I wouldn’t have even noticed. What matters to me is that the result is authentic.

You talk about your beginnings in the group Take That and reveal that you started by touring LGBTQIA+ clubs in the United Kingdom. What memories do you keep of it?

It was incredible, I loved it. I come from a place where two traits dominate: kindness and violence. And you never know which one you will meet, or with which person. Growing up, when we start going out and drinking, there is always this fear for our safety, in the face of violence and dangerous people around us. Then, I arrived in the gay world, in places that offer much more than acceptance: safety. There, I felt at peace, protected. As humans, we all long to feel safe, and that’s what I found in gay culture and clubs. I am immensely grateful to them, for this security, but also for the humor and the opportunities they gave me.

And what were you like on set during filming?

I wasn’t there. (Laughs.)

I was there a little bit, but it was during the pandemic. And when Michael Gracey offered to direct the biopic, I said to myself: “Let him do it!” After all, what do I know about cinema? Sometimes you just have to step aside and let the experts do their job. That’s exactly what I did.

You still created a new song for this project called “Forbidden Road”.

Yes, I recorded a new song, because someone asked me to. This title is like a hug that concludes the film. At this precise moment, after going through so many emotions, it is essential that the viewer feels, through the music, that everything is okay now. That he can finally breathe.

Are you going to release even more music this year?

Yes! There will be a new album which will definitely be released before the summer.

Can you tell us more?

I want it to be Britpop like we did in 1997 with guitar. I’m trying to move in that direction, but I admit that other genres mix in with all that.

You also lived for a while in Geneva and Gstaad. Why did you choose Switzerland?

I like security. In a world turned upside down by Covid, America did not seem very safe. Neither does London, for that matter. Switzerland, on the other hand, offers this stability. I lived, and sometimes still live, in the mountains. There, there is peace, tranquility and pure air that soothes the soul. And then, I don’t need to tell you that everything works perfectly for you.