Who Is Robbie Williams? Meet the Man Behind the CGI Monkey in ‘Better Man’

I’ve been familiar with Robbie Williams since the British boy band Take That made their debut on the music scene in the 90s. Consisting of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, and Williams, they swept across the U.K., Europe, and much of the world, but failed to conquer America.

Once Williams departed from the group, he embarked on a solo journey in music. However, acclaim in America remained out of reach for him, despite consistently selling-out arenas and receiving numerous accolades. For some reason, American crowds didn’t seem interested.

Could it be that the third attempt proves successful for Robbie Williams, as portrayed in filmmaker Michael Gracey’s (“The Greatest Showman”) new biopic “Better Man”? This unique take on Williams’ life sees Jonno Davies transformed into a CGI monkey by WETA FX, using motion capture technology. The movie “Better Man” (now showing in theaters) tells the story of Robbie Williams, and if you were unfamiliar with him prior to watching this film, you certainly won’t be afterward – it’s a musical biopic that leaves no doubt about who Robbie Williams is!

Yesterday was the day following the Golden Globe Awards. William was present at this event, as his song “Forbidden Road” was among the nominees. However, it was the duo of Camile and Clement Ducol, who wrote Emilia Perez’s song, that took home the award instead.

Initially, his original song made it onto the list of nominees for an Oscar in the category of Best Original Song, but unfortunately, the piece didn’t meet the criteria and was eliminated. However, he remains unperturbed. “Regulations must be followed,” Williams explains, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to join the event, albeit for a fleeting moment.

As I step into his room at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, it’s clear he’s thrilled that today’s last interview is face-to-face. Throughout the day, Williams has been engaged in one Zoom call after another, conducting back-to-back interviews to promote the film and offer the American media an opportunity to get to know him. Moreover, the film has made it onto the VFX shortlist.

Previously, we had interacted during an Academy Q&A session, and now I’m a familiar figure. He seems thrilled about our reunion. “My latest partner is none other than Ramin Setoodeh, the chief editor of EbMaster,” he says with a grin, using a nickname for our co-editor-in-chief. Indeed, they had already met at the Globes event. Williams then takes a selfie with me to share with Setoodeh. Towards the end of our chat, he records a voice message and sends it off to Setoodeh, sharing his thoughts.

Despite feeling exhausted and battling jet lag, Williams and I engage in conversation for an hour. As a fellow Brit and follower of his illustrious career, I strive to address the intriguing query: “What makes Robbie Williams who he is?

Robbie, what are you feeling right now?

Handling such a project is overwhelming even under ideal circumstances, without factors like sleep deprivation, jet lag, or mental health issues. Given the extensive promotion for this film and my thorough preparation, I am aware that I will likely experience burnout, tension, and occasional mood swings affecting my relationship with my family.

At the moment, I was starting to ponder over the potential implications for me, my life, and my career – the third phase. This reflection also included the fact that I’m not well-known in America, which seemed relevant to the discussion. With all these travels from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sydney, Melbourne, and then back to L.A. for the Golden Globes within just 12 days, it’s been incredibly busy. Put simply, it’s a lot to handle!

What has that been like where you’re in Sydney one minute, performing for 12,000 people on New Year’s Eve, getting mobbed, and then you’re in L.A and you can walk around freely. Is that freeing for you?

For me, freedom signifies discovering happiness in circumstances where others might see none, particularly moments that are meant to be enchanting. To me, true freedom lies in my thoughts being predominantly optimistic rather than pessimistic. I believe that the only genuine freedom I possess resides within my mind. It’s not something tangible like walking unnoticed in Los Angeles or London; instead, it’s the inner space between my ears where all the liberty I will ever discover exists.

Let’s go back to young Robbie. You’re in school, about to get your GCSE results, you don’t do well, and then you find out you’re going to be in a boy band. What do you remember about that moment?

During my third year at school, we had the freedom to choose our paths. In the following years, what I learned to master was blending in and avoiding being caught idle, like when it came to coursework. In woodwork classes, for instance, I would pick a project and purchase a long piece of wood, carrying it uphill to school. This experience symbolizes my last two years at school where I spent countless hours sanding that same stick of wood to give the illusion of productivity. What truly made high school worthwhile was the joyful laughter shared with friends, a laughter I haven’t experienced since in such abundance.

During my school years, what I found most challenging was struggling with lessons and not realizing I was neurodivergent, specifically on the autism spectrum, and dealing with dyspraxia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. I thought I was simply unintelligent, and the fact that I only ever managed to achieve a “D” or below was a reflection of my effort or lack thereof. This was especially daunting because I had a very demanding mother with high expectations who didn’t want an underachieving son.

At this point in time, we were told that the following two years were the most crucial in our lives. I can’t help but think, “What a load of nonsense! What gives you the right to tell me that at such a vulnerable stage in my life, or anyone’s for that matter? You’re implying that the information you want me to learn now will determine the course of my entire future – and possibly even my death. If I can’t absorb this information, then education isn’t for me, certainly not this kind.

Struggling with academic success was the most significant motivator in my life, as whatever I found difficult, I dedicated myself to overcoming completely and utterly, as if my life depended on it.

Were you always a creative person?

1970s and 1980s England often seemed to limit opportunities for those with modest talents, suggesting that you either had extraordinary abilities akin to a great artist, capable of emulating the masters, or you were insignificant. Pursuing a career in entertainment was not typically an option for the average person. This dream was reserved for exceptional individuals who were believed to have been touched by some magical unicorn. I found myself self-taught and had to develop all my creative abilities, learning that my capabilities extend far beyond what I ever imagined possible, or what was expected or demonstrated to me as achievable.

Take That happens and you’re in the biggest boy band in the country, but you’re also 16 years old. What is your life like and how are you navigating this being just a teenager?

After turning 16, I left school and joined a boy band. This is the journey within the band. Gary Barlow is known for his songwriting prowess. At that stage in his life, it seems like Nigel Martin Smith recognized he needed assistance with stage presence and personality, so he surrounded Gary with four other boys. Frankly, I believe Nigel was primarily managing Gary Barlow. There was a sense of divide-and-conquer, as none of us felt secure in our positions because we were constantly reminded that our jobs weren’t guaranteed.

As a movie buff, I’d rephrase it like this: Growing up in a family of six brothers, I yearned for my voice to be heard. Yet, when I joined Take That, I found myself among five other bandmates where my voice often went unheard. Mark was the one who was overlooked, Gary was the praised prince, and Howard seemed content with his role. However, I was constantly told I wasn’t good enough, that I was making mistakes, being lazy, and that I could easily be replaced. This made me feel exposed, sensitive, and unloved, despite being part of this group.

At home, there was an ominous contract threatening my life. My life took a drastic turn. I had a mother struggling with mental illness. Her mental health issues, melancholy, and despair coincided with her dual roles as parent to two children, as well as maintaining her own dreams, aspirations, and business. She was depleted from this constant work and had little energy beyond being sad. Upon entering the house, I never knew which version of my mother I’d encounter. It’s not surprising that I developed a knack for reading a room and adapting my behavior from every scrap of life lesson gained during my upbringing with my mother, all in an attempt to gain her approval. Now, I use these skills professionally.

In essence, I find myself in a precarious home environment with a troubled mother. Moreover, outside my house, people seem resentful towards my achievements to the point that I’m not secure anywhere I go. At work, there is an undercurrent of divisiveness, and I don’t feel safe there either. Simultaneously, I am attempting to navigate life as a developing individual, all while being subjected to intense scrutiny in the public eye that shapes others’ perceptions of me. This complex mix of circumstances is quite overwhelming.

You talked about not feeling safe. At what point in your life did you feel safe?

In my perspective, I found a warm embrace and appreciation for my celebrity status and profession. When our first child, Teddy, entered our lives, I shifted from feeling compelled to do things to repair myself, to doing things out of love. The industry, which once seemed like a means to heal myself, actually had the opposite effect. But with Teddy’s arrival, something profoundly changed within me, both maternal and metaphorical. I felt an urgent need to build a protective moat, fill it with water, and construct a castle to safeguard us. This transformation was a priceless gift because it moved my focus from myself towards them.

Michael Gracey was fascinated by your story and “Better Man” and was inspired by your conversations with him. Was it therapeutic to talk to him?

It wasn’t clear if his intentions were purely altruistic, but he mentioned wanting to visit and record me narrating stories. At one point, the thought of making a biopic crossed his mind, though it seemed like only half-considered. He persistently dropped by my house, asking questions, and eventually carried out his plan. Given that I’m a professional who thrives on attention, this chance was too appealing to pass up.

Were you ever going to appear in “Better Man”?

Originally, I was set to star in the production, taking on the leading role. However, with COVID-19 causing uncertainty about future events, my wife – who is quite apprehensive – didn’t want me to be away for three months. Recognizing the potential strain on our marriage, I decided not to take up that opportunity. Fortunately, Jonno stepped in and delivered an outstanding performance instead.

What was it like seeing this version of your story?

Before watching the entire movie, I had glimpsed various scenes, each of which were poignant representations of your deepest sorrows, one after another. These moments, scattered across several months, seemed to encapsulate all the triggers from your life. Initially, when I saw it in parts, I merely hoped it wouldn’t be disappointing. However, upon watching it as a whole, I was astounded and found myself questioning the authenticity of my perception of its quality. It left me wondering, “Could my senses be deceiving me regarding how exceptional this film is?

After its release, I’ve been inundated with numerous long messages and texts expressing the deep impact it has made on people. This only confirms my initial belief that it is indeed a unique and extraordinary piece of work, as I felt when I first saw it.

One scene that so many people are talking about is “Rock DJ.” That song was a sexual awakening for many in the LGBTQ community What does that mean to you? To be loved within that community?

That community holds immense significance to me as it has greatly influenced my life and the artists who emerged from there. My life has been significantly molded by the Black community, the LGBTQ+ community, and the extraordinary figures that have arisen from these groups. During my teenage years with Take That, I spent the initial 18 months performing in various gay clubs. The sense of safety and acceptance I experienced there was starkly different from the hostility I faced in other pubs and clubs, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond. Therefore, I have a profound affection for this community. I identify as queer in most aspects, except for not being sexually attracted to men; I’m more like an asexual, straight gay man.

I know you’re tired and jetlagged, but in between interviews, are you able to tap into that creativity and write a lyric or two?

Over the course of my flight from Australia to Los Angeles, I’ve been creating a new collection of sketches titled “Raw Truths Unveiled in Social Gatherings.” So far, I’ve successfully completed 15 pieces during this journey.

I drew me, and underneath it says, “Yes, I didn’t want to come. And now I don’t want to be here.”

OK, so who is Robbie Williams?

1. A person recognizing that thinking positively strengthens positive thinking, embarking on a path of happiness.
2. An individual reducing disorder in a previously disordered environment.
3. Someone aware of a superior self they can strive to become.
4. An individual transforming a chaotic situation into one with less turmoil.
5. A person conscious of a higher potential version of themselves and aiming to reach it.

For 19 years, I’ve been in a committed, monogamous relationship with my wife. I never imagined I could sustain such a relationship while maintaining self-control, but here I am. I find myself in a state of tranquility, not just something to aspire towards, but an experience I currently cherish. Additionally, I recognize that being Robbie Williams carries significant weight and importance in the world, and I must assert my individuality beyond others defining me. That’s the next challenge to conquer.

Where would that place be?

In my professional life, I’m constantly striving for success, not just fame. I’m moving from one opportunity to another, much like swinging from vine to vine. If a door is closed in one place, I adapt and explore other possibilities. I’m questioning whether it’s more productive to keep adapting as I search, or if I should pivot towards a place that offers emotional stability and intellectual growth instead. However, that didn’t provide the financial security I needed.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

2025-01-14 01:47