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USA/Australia, 2024, Director: Michael Gracey, 134 minutes When and Where Release date for Canada & U.S. is set for December 25, 2024 | Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver AVX Reviewer John Anthony Jane |
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Better Man is Michael Gracey’s biopic that recounts the early life and career of British pop singer Robbie Williams. The film’s title is taken from a 2001 single release written by Guy Chambers and Williams himself. If I were to produce a biopic of a musician, Robbie Williams would be near the bottom of a long list. That being said, is the film any good? To determine that, we have to ask two questions: First, does Gracey’s film attract an audience that may not particularly like Robbie Williams or even know him or his music? Second, is there enough of a story here to justify a film biography? The film has already had positive critical response, so, I suppose the answer to the first question is definitely yes! The second question is more difficult to answer. Williams has had a turbulent life, but that doesn’t necessarily make it interesting. Williams doesn’t always come across as particularly likable, so Michael Gracey has come up with a brilliant, though at the same time, confusing cinematic device. The story here is told through Williams’ own lens and obviously reflects his self-loathing and inferiority complex that includes bouts of depression. Throughout the entire length of the film Gracey (with apparent agreement from his subject) Williams is seen (only) by the audience as a chimpanzee, played via performance-capture by British actor Jonno Davies, mimicking Williams’ mannerisms through Weta FX. Because there is nothing in the narrative to indicate why Williams is characterized as a simian, we have to assume the other characters, including his family and other members of his band see him as the ‘real Robbie.’ The device allows the audience to forgive Williams’ for some of his excesses, bad behavior and obnoxious human traits. For those who genuinely appreciate Williams’ work as both a member of Take That and as a solo artist, there is plenty of music to enjoy. From Gary Barlow’s typical boy band compositions to his solo chart-topping hits, this is a full-blown musical extravaganza. Though not familiar to North American audiences, Australians will no doubt recognize Raechelle Banno as Williams’ girl friend and veteran Shakespeare actress Kate Mulvany as his mother. © 2024 John Anthony Jane |
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