WOW! Better Man is a wildly unique ride into fame, addiction, imposter syndrome and self-love. With people so focused on chasing fame, this is a must see movie, a crucial reminder of what’s really important in life. It’s the move we need right now.
Better Man follows the life of British superstar Robbie Williams, a story we already know or do we?
As the story begins, Robbie’s father Peter Williams, (Steve Pemberton) looms large. Family loungeroom singalongs depict a loving family with Peter at the helm. Peters’ quest for fame rubs off on Robbie, so when he imparts a pearl of wisdom, that “you’ve either got it or you’re a nobody”, Robbie takes it to heart. A crestfallen young Robbie opens up to his beloved grandmother Betty (Alison Steadman) that he doesn’t want to be a nobody. She assures him that he’ll be anything but. Not long after this Peter flees the family to chase fame, leaving a massive hole in Robbie’s life.
Fast forward to age 15 when Robbie becomes the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That. All his dreams are coming true. But being one part of an ensemble doesn’t sit well with the charismatic Robbie, especially when he has a book full of his own original songs. It doesn’t help that Robbie feels increasingly overlooked by band manager Nigel Martin Smith (Damon Herriman). To cope, Robbie turns to a myriad of substances. Ultimately his performances suffer and he’s sacked from the band.
But unlike other young stars Robbie doesn’t simply fade away into oblivion. His competitive nature sees him dig deep and eventually become a record-breaking solo artist. As we all know he goes on to ride high with the world at his feet and all that brings with it.
As the credits rolled the audience broke into spontaneous applause and I pondered:
- Better Man is utterly unique. The monkey depiction of Robbie is a brilliant vehicle;
- The movie had us all pondering about how they made the monkey so perfectly Robbie. The mannerisms were uncanny. I asked the question and found out the CGI was done by the guys at WETA and they scanned in Robbie’s eyes which is why it looks so real;
- We should have known the movie would be good I mean, the director of The Greatest Showman Michael Gracey, making a movie about the greatest entertainer in recent times, it’s a no brainer really isn’t it?;
- It’s great to relive some of the key songs, now with added weight due to the backstory behind them;
- I was lucky enough to be at the concert when Robbie bought his father on stage to sing with him. That performance now means so much more. I don’t think I’d have the same courage.
- From all appearances, Robbie Williams is indeed well on the way to being a Better Man. The movie inspires us to do the same, to apologize to those we have hurt and forgive those who have hurt us.
For more information go to Event Cinemas. Coming on December 26.
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