Robbie Williams’ biography, entitled Better Man, has received an Oscar 2025 awards nomination in the category of Best Special Effects, competing with Alien: Romulus, Dune: Part Two, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and WICKED. The film’s premiere is scheduled just before the Oscar ceremony, and those who have already seen it agree that the biopic deserves more nominations than just the possible recognition for its CGI.
The reason behind this is that Better Man rethinks the structure and shape of biographies on famous people, regardless of the reason why they are famous, and independent of how extraordinary, pitiful, or ridiculous their story may be. We all have a life with its highs and lows, worthy of being told on the big screen. However, we often only see the stories of famous people due to the morbidity that their lives generate, and that’s another story.
For Better Man, director Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, made the bold decision to portray Robbie Williams as a monkey. This choice raises an interesting question: can seeing a monkey going through complex situations in life make us feel greater empathy? The answer is yes, but it can also be manipulative. Fortunately, Gracey’s direction navigates this potential pitfall and simply tells us that we all have a story to tell because we have all been a monkey seeking approval at some point.
We had the opportunity to discuss the film with Robbie Williams and Michael Gracey, who shared with us how Better Man came to be, the conversations that made it to the screen, the idea behind the protagonist monkey, and how emotionally invested the people involved in their lives were. According to them, the film’s unique approach to storytelling is what sets it apart and makes it deserving of recognition.
The use of a monkey as the protagonist may seem unusual, but it serves as a powerful metaphor for the human experience. By striping away the glamour and fame, the film reveals the raw emotions and vulnerabilities that we all share. This bold creative choice has sparked interesting discussions about the nature of empathy and storytelling, and it will be exciting to see how Better Man fares at the Oscars.
Better Man interview: A monkey that causes empathy towards Robbie Williams
In a recent interview, Robbie Williams and Michael Gracey delved into the making of Better Man and the thought process behind the film’s unconventional narrative. They explained how the idea of using a monkey as the protagonist came about and how it was used to explore themes of empathy, vulnerability, and the human condition.
The film’s success can be attributed to its ability to balance the fine line between creativity and sincerity. By using a monkey as the protagonist, the filmmakers were able to tap into the audience’s emotions and create a sense of empathy that might not have been possible with a traditional biopic. As the Oscar ceremony approaches, it will be interesting to see how Better Man is received by the Academy and whether it will take home the award for Best Special Effects.