If you’re American and have watched the trailer for the upcoming biopic Better Man, you might be wondering: 1. Why is there a monkey? and 2. Who is Robbie Williams? Let me help you out with both.

Robbie Williams is one of the biggest pop/rock stars who never quite made it in the United States. While he did have music videos featured on MTV and TRL, his singles “Millennium,” “Angels,” and “Rock DJ” never climbed higher than No. 24 on the Billboard charts. His compilation album, “The Ego Has Landed,” peaked at No. 63 in the U.S.

In stark contrast, Robbie Williams has enjoyed immense success overseas for decades. He held the record for the most concert tickets sold in a single day for 17 years. This record was finally broken by Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour. In 2022, he became the solo artist with the most UK Number 1 albums of all time and has won an impressive 18 BRIT Awards—more than anyone else. Additionally, he holds the Guinness World Record for the largest cinematic screening of a live concert, stemming from his 2009 performance at the Electric Proms. His 2003 concerts at Knebworth, attended by 375,000 fans over three nights, are considered among the biggest in British music history.

Timing plays a crucial role in breaking into the U.S. music scene. I genuinely believe that if Robbie Williams had made his move to the States 2-3 years earlier, he would be a household name today.

WHY THE MONKEY INSTEAD OF AN ACTOR IN BETTER MAN?

I was first introduced to Robbie Williams by my sister, who was studying abroad for a year. While she was at a local pub, “Angels” played, and the entire crowd paused to sing along. She encouraged me to check out this artist, and I’ve been a fan ever since. I even had the chance to see him perform live at the Hard Rock Live, where I scored a front-row spot for the concert celebrating the release of “The Ego Has Landed.” So, when I discovered that Michael Gracey, the creative mind behind The Greatest Showman, was directing a biopic about Robbie Williams, I was immediately on board.

To separate itself from recent rock and roll biopics such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocket Man, Better Man is a fantastical musical spectacle – with a Monkey. Rather than casting an actor to portray the legendary performer in Better Man, the decision to use a monkey to represent Williams struck me as perfectly fitting. Throughout his career, Williams openly battled addiction, depression, and mental distress. He even has a song titled “Me and My Monkey”. The visual of the monkey (not just a monkey on Williams’s shoulder) as a manifestation of his internal struggles is inspired; it reflects how he has always perceived himself. This metaphorical weight has burdened him, and throughout the film, we witness his repeated attempts to confront and overcome the darkness that holds him back. Ultimately, he takes the necessary steps to emerge into the light.

BETTER MAN IS A MUSICAL SPECTACULAR

The song selections in the film are spot on. Gracey doesn’t shy away from the more difficult aspects of Robbie Williams’s journey; rather, he tackles the darkness and challenges through the power of song, dance, and performance. One standout moment for me is “Rock DJ.” The track bursts with energy and joy as the boyband Take That secures their record deal. The choreography, blocking, and feeling of one continuous shot create a thrilling atmosphere that captivates the audience and seamlessly propels the narrative forward.

“She’s the One” is probably my favorite Robbie Williams song. I was glad to see it used in a beautiful modern dance scene when showcasing the beginnings of his relationship with All Saints Nicole Appleton. The moment is very reminiscent of the rooftop dance during “A Million Dreams”. There are a couple of Williams songs I was surprised not to see, “No Regrets”, “Life Through A Lens”, as well as “Monkey on the Shoulder”. I’m hopeful there are a few more numbers on the cutting room floor we’ll see in the special features.

WHAT WAS ROBBIE WILLIAMS ROCK BOTTOM?

In stories like Williams, there’s typically a rock-bottom moment that propels a person to choose to get better for themselves. That doesn’t quite happen in Better Man and is the main story point I’m missing. Instead, after John Snow battling his inner saboteur, we get a montage of Williams in rehab and a “Happy Ending” with his father. It’s possible whatever story got him there wasn’t able to be told, but it’s something I wish was included.

Overall, Better Man is an incredible film that appeals to everyone, regardless of whether you’re a Robbie Williams fan. Hopefully, it will convert you into one. If not, he simply invites you to “Let Me Entertain You.”