Robbie Willams biopic 'Better Man' is a top-shelf spectacle with ample depth

Better Man
4 out of 5 Stars
Director: Michael Gracey
Writers: Simon Gleeson, Oliver Cole, Michael Gracey
Starring: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge, Anthony Hayes
Rated: R for drug use, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some violent content.

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) Synopsis: Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.

Review: Seeing as this review is being written for an American audience who probably knows very little about Robbie Williams, it might be appropriate to offer a bit of context before we descend into the madness.

Robbie Williams was a moment that lasted at least three decades. The sort of story that frequently seemed to be in its final chapter only to have its protagonist rise from the dead.

In the UK and Europe, Williams is as infamous as he is famous. It takes something of an ego and a penchant for reckless behavior to steal headlines from the Oasis brothers. Not even Pete Doherty could keep pace. In an era of debauchery, Williams was king. He was brash, unapologetic, and found a massive amount of success after being forced from Take That, a boyband that defined boybands in the UK during the ‘90s.

Williams is a rock ’n’ roll cliché. A cliché with enough talent to justify the bravado.

“Better Man” is his story told in his way. I suspect there are some embellishments but the heart of it is true. The stories played out in public. I was there as many of them happened. Williams sold millions of records and ten times as many tabloid magazines. Everyone wanted a piece of Williams, and he obliged.

“Better Man” sees Williams portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee. Don’t overthink it. The motion capture and visual effects are astounding. Just go with it.

The story begins with young Robert, all mouth and no talent, impressing his classmates with his non-existent goalie skills, singing along to Frank Sinatra with his father, and a tender moment with his grandmother. These three brief moments speak volumes as it establishes young Robert’s world.

We see Robert become Robbie, the rise, the fall, and dissolution of his Take That era followed by the self-destructive maelstrom of a drug-fueled Robbie who scratches and bites his way to unprecedented stardom. Unfortunately, sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll can be a parasitic creature. The more you consume, the more the emptiness grows.

In the end you’d need a PowerPoint presentation to map out who forgave and who was forgiven. Who lost and who won is based entirely on your point of view.

You might mistake “Better Man” for a sequel to “Spinal Tap,” a reimagining of “Sid and Nancy,” or a satire of the whole rock ‘n’ roll industry. It’s probably too surreal to have happened. But it mostly did, and Michael Gracey ("The Greatest Showman") has captured it perfectly. A great biopic should reflect the personality of its subject and, best I can tell, that’s exactly what “Better Man” has done. Love or hate him, Robbie Williams always entertains.