Better Man: The Surprising Depth Behind Robbie Williams’ Struggles

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I absolutely love “The Greatest Showman” and it’s turned into one of my all-time favorites. It ranks among the greatest musical films. So, when I found out that its director, Michael Gracey, was behind “Better Man“, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Notably, Gracey had initially been linked to another favorite movie of mine and one of the finest music biopics, “Rocketman”. Consequently, it seemed only natural that I would enjoy “Better Man” as well.

Initially, I found many resemblances between it and “Rocketman”. As I continued watching, I started pondering if it would mimic that film entirely. However, though they share some characteristics, “Better Man” carves out its unique identity. This gives it an additional dimension.

Warning: Better Man spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

Better Man Mostly Explores Robbie Williams’ Mental State, And I Thought That Gave The Film Depth

Similar to numerous biographical films, “Better Man” chronicles the journey of a monumental celebrity, tracing his ascent and descent. The narrative unfolds from Robbie Williams’ early life experiences that significantly shaped him, both personally and professionally. It also delves into some of his struggles. A recurring theme and subject matter within the film is his persistent self-doubt, even during the pinnacle of his career success. Remarkably, it sheds light on various contributing factors to this insecurity.

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: Growing up, my strained bond with my dad, Peter (Steve Pemberton), left me grappling with self-doubt. Our intricate relationship has cast a long shadow over my life, echoing through the years. Moreover, my yearning for approval has significantly impacted my mental wellbeing. A significant thread in the narrative also explores my turbulent journey as part of the boy band Take That, where I often felt unappreciated and underestimated.

Jake Simmance frequently grapples with feelings of inadequacy compared to Gary Barlow, his bandmate from Take That. The character Better Man consistently struggles with a deep-rooted belief that success or fame won’t fill the void within him, nor make him content or joyful. This underscores the fact that fame is not the antidote for self-doubt and destructive behavior.

While numerous films delving into the artistic world share common themes, this movie maintains its profound impact undiminished. The internal struggles of Williams’ confidence are so pivotal that they arguably outweigh the specifics of his ascent and descent narrative.

I Have Seen Many Biopics That Deal With Addiction, But This One Really Feels Like It Has A Heavier Focus On Mental Health Than Many

In numerous rock-and-roll biopics, the theme of addiction arises frequently due to musicians often being drawn into the allure of fame, which can lead to relationships, drugs, and excessive partying. Williams is no exception, as he succumbs to typical vices.

In contrast, “Better Man” emphasizes that the easy access to various things contributes to addiction formation, but it’s not the primary cause for why numerous artists, writers, painters, and musicians resort to substances. Instead, for a large number of them, the root issue lies much deeper. For Robbie, this stems from his low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, and debilitating envy, jealousy, and anxiety.

This narrative acknowledges that addiction isn’t solely rooted in a single factor, often involving mental health aspects affecting an individual’s resilience to life’s challenges. Remarkably, it underscores the correlation between mental health and addiction. While numerous films delve into addiction themes, this particular one resonated with me due to its thoughtful approach to the topic.

The movie’s portrayal of this subject is deeply entwined with Robbie as both a character and a real person, making the narrative seem just as exposed as those in films like Rocketman. What adds to this emotional resonance is that Williams himself narrates the story and is still alive to share his personal account. This lends hope that more music biopics will give their living subjects the opportunity to express vulnerability when recounting their stories.

I Like That Robbie Williams Paints Himself As Someone Who’s Not Perfect, Not As A Misunderstood Genius

As a film enthusiast, I must say that “A Complete Unknown” from 2024 is, in my opinion, among the standout movies of that year. Now, let me clarify, this isn’t a critique, but rather an observation. To me, it’s a compelling portrayal of a misunderstood genius, and I found it captivating. The character of Bob Dylan, brilliantly played by Timothée Chalamet, may not be the most likeable individual, but his genius seems almost justifiable. His flaws are tolerated, if not forgiven, because his unyielding passion for art and creation is so intense that it overshadows everything else. This, of course, is my personal take on the story following a single viewing. A second watch might reveal a different perspective altogether.

Unlike numerous films portraying complex artistic prodigies, “Better Man” doesn’t follow suit. Robbie doesn’t boast about his talent alongside musical greats; instead, he appreciates and revels in the joy of performance. The movie concludes with his father acknowledging him as one of the greats, but I feel this is not the primary message of the film. Rather, it symbolizes his father finally offering the long-awaited praise that Robbie has yearned for throughout his life.

It appears Robbie acknowledges he’s had his share of mistakes and hasn’t always been well-liked by those around him. His shortcomings and flops were self-inflicted. He developed a fondness for his work, primarily driven by the quest for attention rather than a genuine love for music and performance. Just as enlightening are movies that portray such artists, even if they’re not exceptionally skilled or motivated solely by their craft. Some people simply enjoy being in the limelight, and that’s just as legitimate a reason to be an artist.

Better Man Is A Lot More Experimental Than Expected, And That Helps Strengthen The Film’s Messages

The film “Better Man” boldly explores Robbie’s narrative, occasionally pushing boundaries with slightly daring elements, but these choices are admirable. Towards the climax, there’s a thrilling action scene where Robbie engages in combat against numerous iterations of himself. This unexpected twist proves effective and adds depth to the storyline.

His actions clearly illustrate the idea of him battling his inner struggles, as shown by him fleeing from his former selves and visually depicting an attempt to annihilate himself, particularly his younger self. There’s a nod to this earlier moment at the end when he puts on a performance for all his different personas.

The sequences illustrate that Robbie has come to terms with his past and feels no remorse about his life choices. They provide an engaging method for conveying Robbie’s battles with self-doubt and his journey towards healing.

I Thought A CGI Chimp Playing Robbie Williams In The Movie Was A Gimmick, But I Now Think I Understand Why It Went In That Direction

As a cinephile, I must admit that before diving into “Better Man”, I suspected Robbie Williams’ use of a CGI chimpanzee was merely a trick to stir conversations around the film. Now, having watched it, I see why he chose to embody a chimp – though I haven’t delved into interviews (yet) about the movie, this is my take on things.

Robbie often struggles with feeling at ease, as if he’s not fully in his own body. He sometimes feels more like an entertainer in a circus, putting on a show for spectators without ever having personal freedom or authenticity. Instead of being Robbie Williams the individual, he constantly finds himself as Robbie Williams, the performing ape.

In my perspective, it’s an incredibly powerful depiction of the character’s emotional turmoil and low self-worth. This visual approach, when viewed within the context of Better Man, strikes me as a daring and effective choice.

As a movie enthusiast, I can tell you that this film transcends its novelty element, much like Robbie Williams goes beyond being merely a flamboyant performer. Both demand your focus and appreciation for their depth and talent.

Stream Better Man on Paramount+.

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2025-05-31 18:09