A music biopic with a twist: Robbie Williams is portrayed as a CGI chimp, exploring the themes of envy, fame, and personal struggle.
A candid look at the toxic force of envy that drove his musical career but turned a talented musician into a deeply unhappy man.
But why the CGI? Robbie Williams – only he is a chimp! This is a pretty trad music biopic, coming with the accepted U-shaped narrative arc of humble beginnings, big break, superstardom, drugs, drink, shallow sex, dark-night-of-the-soul slump and redemptive comeback, here topped off with an unendurably protracted performance of My Way at the Royal Albert Hall in London. But the whole thing is given a cheeky high-concept twist by portraying the singer as an ape – a shrieking, scowling, capering CGI chimp – while all around are humans. Actor Jonno Davies plays the part in motion capture and Williams himself supplies the voiceover. The idea supposedly comes from Williams’s fear that he is immature and unevolved, stranded emotionally for ever at the age he became famous: 15. And this chimp figure runs counter to his 2001 song Better Man, with its poignant, maybe Darwinian yearning for improvement: “As my soul heals the shame/I will grow through this pain/Lord, I’m doing all I can/To be a better man.” But, of course, it is an outrageous existential humblebrag – as a chimp, Robbie is superior to the boring humanoids: funnier, crazier, braver and more charismatic. Actor Jim Broadbent plays Robbie’s unreliable old dad, Peter, a heartbreakingly unsuccessful Sinatra-adjacent lounge singer who broke Robbie’s heart by abandoning his family but inspired Robbie with a complicated Oedipal need to prove himself, imitate him, gain his attention and surpass him. Alison Steadman plays his adored nan, who always believed in him. Jake Simmance is Gary Barlow, whose songwriting professionalism earns Robbie’s grudging respect
Robbie Williams Music Biopic CGI Envy Fame
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Robbie Williams biopic Better Man and Boy Swallows Universe lead 2025 Aacta award nominationsNetflix adaptation of Trent Dalton’s novel lands 22 nominations, the most in Aacta history, while Williams’ Melbourne-made biopic sets new record for film with 16 nominations
Read more »
Robbie Williams's monkey biopic Better Man and Boy Swallows Universe top 2025 AACTA awardsThe 2025 AACTA award nominations contain record breakers in both the film and television categories.
Read more »
Robbie Williams ‘annoyed’ and ‘sad’ over gay rumours7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Robbie Williams's Biopic 'Better Man' Explores Fame and Insecurity Through a Chimpanzee LensBritish musician Robbie Williams is portrayed as a chimpanzee throughout the biopic 'Better Man', exploring his insecurities and the impact of fame. The film uses visual effects to transform actor Jonno Davies into a deeply expressive primate, reflecting Williams's own self-perception. Set in a fictional ape planet, the narrative delves into the singer's journey from a young, fame-obsessed teenager to his eventual sobriety and wisdom in the mid-2000s.
Read more »
San Francisco 49ers star Trent Williams and wife Sondra announce death of baby at 35 weeks7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Star Trek star Jill Jacobson dies aged 70 following cancer fight7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »