Robbie Williams Takes on the Role of a Monkey Struggling with Stardom in Better Man Trailer
The first trailer for Better Man, a biographical film about the life of British pop star Robbie Williams, has been released, and it’s already causing a stir. Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film offers an unconventional approach to Williams' tumultuous rise to fame, presenting his story through a surreal lens — one where he’s portrayed as a monkey.
In the newly released trailer, Williams grapples with the overwhelming pressures of stardom, but the choice to depict him as a monkey is both symbolic and deeply imaginative. The anthropomorphic portrayal of the singer is a metaphor for his internal struggle to adapt to fame, the expectations of the media, and the turbulent emotions that often accompany celebrity. The monkey, which mirrors the emotional vulnerability and restless energy Williams has spoken about in interviews, highlights the chaos and confusion of his rise to fame in the 1990s, from his early days with Take That to his explosive solo career.
The trailer opens with Williams, as the monkey, navigating the pressures of becoming a household name. The character's sense of displacement is palpable, as he swings between moments of wild success and intense isolation. This surreal representation conveys the sense of being both “on display” and deeply misunderstood, capturing the essence of Williams’ real-life struggles with mental health, addiction, and the difficulties of being constantly in the public eye.
What’s striking about the film is how it balances the fantastical elements with raw emotional depth. The monkey is not just a playful or whimsical figure; it’s a creature lost in the trappings of fame, struggling to make sense of an unrelenting spotlight. The visuals in the trailer are dreamlike, often depicting the monkey in a series of vivid, surreal scenarios that blur the line between reality and the psychological turmoil that Williams faced. It’s a creative and poignant choice that aligns with Williams’ own artistic journey, which has been filled with ups and downs, contradictions, and moments of brilliance.
As the film’s trailer suggests, Better Man will not shy away from exploring the darker side of fame, while also celebrating the moments of triumph that defined Williams’ career. The combination of fantasy and reality, embodied through the monkey, promises a unique and emotionally powerful portrayal of one of pop music's most enigmatic figures.
Better Man is set to hit theaters in 2024, and fans are eagerly anticipating the deeper exploration of Robbie Williams' journey, both as a performer and as a person.
