Robbie Williams Struggles with Stardom as a Monkey in ‘Better Man’ Trailer
The first trailer for Better Man, the upcoming biographical film about pop icon Robbie Williams, has dropped, offering a wild and unconventional look at the life of the superstar. Williams, known for his eccentricity and larger-than-life persona, makes good on his promise of a non-traditional storytelling approach — by appearing as a monkey in the film.
The trailer opens with a personal message from Williams, declaring, “This is my story. But I’m not gonna tell it in an ordinary way because I don’t see myself how others see me.” In the film, Williams is portrayed as a cheeky, animated monkey, voiced and motion-captured by actor Jonno Davies. The monkey version of Williams rocks a packed festival crowd and humorously reflects on his own evolution, saying, "To be honest, I’ve always been a little less evolved. So let’s take it from the top, shall we." This surreal approach gives an imaginative twist to Williams’ extraordinary career, blending humor with the poignant moments of his rise to fame.
The trailer gives a glimpse into Williams’ rollercoaster journey — from his childhood and early days in British pop group Take That to his solo career, including the highs of superstardom and the personal battles he faced along the way. His struggle for independence from the pressures of fame is evident, with moments like him exclaiming, “I’m going to be f***ing famous!” and later questioning, “Do I look like a pop star?” His mother’s reassuring words, “I wouldn’t change a hair on your head,” take on added depth when he’s depicted as a monkey, highlighting the juxtaposition between his self-perception and the world’s view of him.
As the trailer progresses, we see Williams express a desire to prove himself: “I want to prove I can make it on my own,” a sentiment that mirrors his real-life career, which was marked by both immense success and personal challenges.
Better Man is set to be released in select theaters on Christmas 2024, with a nationwide rollout on January 17, 2025. The film promises to offer a raw, entertaining, and very unique look at one of the most iconic pop figures of our time. The monkey motif is likely to add a layer of surrealism, offering both humor and insight into Williams' tumultuous journey through fame.
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