An Odd Affair with Fame: Better Man and Its Cinematic Folly

Is it possible for a CGI monkey to illuminate the intricacies of a famous pop star's life? It seems a laughable premise, perhaps more suited to a satirical skit than a full-fledged film, and yet Better Man, the audacious Robbie Williams biopic directed by Michael Gracey, dares to present it as earnest storytelling. The result is curious indeed—a spectacle that treads the lines of genius and folly with a mix of engaging bravado and unexpected depth.

A Puzzling Artistic Choice

When we think of famous musical personalities like Robbie Williams, we imagine grand stages, chart-topping hits, and the tumult of a public life scrutinized. But salted with the choice to depict Williams as a CGI chimpanzee, Better Man sprints headfirst into the realm of the absurd. At first blush, one might dismiss this as a mere gimmick. But step back for a moment: could this be the raw, disruptive commentary on fame and perception that cinema so often craves? After all, what says "outsider" more poignantly than transforming a pop star into something entirely "other"?

Musicals Make Everything Better

While the choice of Williams as a great ape might hog the spotlight, the film finds its true soul in its electrifying musical sequences. Gracey, known for his flair with dance and song in The Greatest Showman, once again showcases his knack for crafting intricate set pieces that pop with energy and creativity. These moments offer a kaleidoscope of emotions—sometimes intimate, often explosive, and always vividly impressive.

Granted, the narrative might feel like a well-worn path—the familiar trajectory of rising from obscurity, grappling with demons, and seeking redemption. Yet, while the story itself doesn’t break new ground, it serves as a canvas for Gracey to splash with exuberant colors and a flair for the theatrical.

Uneven But Engaging

Despite its delight in spectacle, Better Man doesn't shy from exploring the more shadowy avenues of its protagonist's life. Moments directed at Williams' inner battles blend visual flair with emotional gravity, though the lack of subtlety can render a mixed experience. The film echoes instances of abstraction, drawing viewers into a world where Williams' monkey reflection grapples with a magnified vision of his struggles.

It's not all smooth sailing. The CGI, while advanced, introduces an artificiality that may pull some from the immersive experience. Yet this transparency occasionally enhances the reflective themes, much like a Brechtian play unsettling its audience into thought rather than passive consumption.

A Riotous Ride Worth Taking

Is Better Man a successful biopic? That's debatable. But its worth extends beyond a mere checkbox of cinematic triumph. It's a vibrant firework display of contradictions; a film that pokes fun at itself yet remains earnestly committed to its uniqueness.

So, while it's easy to get caught up in analyzing its unusual premise—and, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t?—there's undeniable charm in Gracey's musical fresco, as it's daring enough to step outside traditional boundaries. Its curious blend of technique and whimsy allows it to stand distinct from its peers, offering a cinematic adventure that's bizarrely entertaining and emotionally resonant.

In the end, Better Man asks a simple question of its audience: Are you ready to see beyond the monkey?