Better Man

Are there moments that feel absurd while watching a CGI monkey portray Robbie Williams? Absolutely, but there are almost equally as many moments where it really works with the tone Gracey is using for the film.

In a Q&A after the film, Gracey talked about how the idea for this bold monkey swing came from all of the sterile music biopics made over past couple of years. He wasn’t interested in making another biopic like Bohemian Rhapsody or Elvis. Sure, you can see that in the monkey choice, but you can also see this in how crass and harsh the film is about Williams & how honest it is about his ambitions to become famous.

It’s refreshing to see a biopic like this treat its subject as a real human with flaws and not like a god that can barely do wrong.

While I like the outside of the box thinking, I wish he would have taken it even further. Specifically with the corny, tedious third act.

Talk of the CGI monkey will dominate conversation around the film, but what will be overlooked is the distinctive talent that Gracey has in envisioning & executing a musical for the big screen. He proved it with “The Greatest Showman”, but he confirms it with “Better Man”.

There is one number in particular set on Regent street in London that is probably one of the best musical sequences of the past decade. It’s enough to recommend the film to those who love musicals or love Robbie Williams. I just wish there were a few more show stopping numbers like that to elevate it to an exceptional film.

Hope Gracey does another full blown musical next.