This movie is different than I expected and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie.

This movie made me ugly cry.

Biographical film tends to explore in formally identifying the subject, which arguably and evidently exceeds the need for factual accuracy when the rooted basis gets retained beneath the dramatized effect that serves the picture. Upon recent observation regarding musicians on the other hand given in certain imagery being requested that also asks the prompted question, the craftsmanship becomes considerately faithful when the storytelling process follows how the subject sees it. This newfound angle, if not technically realized at first prior, has gotten quite an attention starting with Pharrell Williams visualizing his happy life in Legos “Piece by Piece”, then compelled in discovering “A Complete Unknown” that answers the lingering question with Bob Dylan’s certified stamp of approval. But beneath those celebrative renowned singers is Robbie Williams, a British singer we literally ask, “Who is he?” Forget the accompanied backstory’s creative depth, the household name means little without single knowledge. Williams is quickly witted enough to explain how he sees himself: a lesser evolved being as an anthropomorphic ape. Michael Gracey returns to the filmic stage after “The Greatest Showman” as he frames his second feat “Better Man” with recorded material from interviewing Williams over the singer’s life story, who later provides additional narrative materials for bridging completion and elaboration as well as personal touches. Not because of Gracey’s previous phenomenon nor the flat curiosity of getting to know Williams, it visually edges in significance as a unique art form that simply compels in gripping gazes. Gracey’s extravagant style is comparably subpar in this occasion whilst sensationally blended akin to Dexter Fletcher’s (and Bryan Singer’s) “Bohemian Rhapsody” for an original stir, otherwise it would have turned out substantially meaningless. Williams supposedly would not tolerate that after absorbing his emotional journey underlying personal growth haunted by the hallucinatory self through a routine yet observational insight over fame toxicity that he seems to pledge as the more affected case. His indomitable spirit grown from overcoming hindrances after constantly being looked down on, therefore fueling his insecurity but also resolve in not wanting to remain as a nobody. Despite the prior acknowledgement being little to none in the outer approach then nonetheless drawn to the solid uniqueness, the profiling deliverance is moderately satisfying. Energetically talented music rightfully frames the experience whilst showcasing Williams’ captivating talent, amidst an impressive production, namely the concisely designed choreography as per usual, instilling the extravagance as the original conception here distances from your ordinary musical biopic. Besides playlisting his recorded songs, Williams has written new songs that fulfill the presented endeavor’s expressive core with impactful tunes, but the lyrical absorbent aligning with the film’s overarching entertainment value is clearly treating converted listeners. Speaking of whom, the characterized treatment signals a conceptual surgical transition onto Williams as a more memorable figure than his status since it was built more than those around him as they may be better known to the particular fanbase to regional extent, but the overall characterization has shown to be underutilized and immemorably demoted to stock. Despite that, specially few – Raechelle Banno as Nicole Appleton, Alison Steadman as Robbie’s grandmother Betty, Kate Mulvany as the mother Janet and Steve Pemberton as the questionable, absentee father Peter – are performatively palpable highlights with the latter two shining as the film conclusively brightens. So in accessible terms, it is defined by Gracey’s riveting spectacle powered by Batu Senner’s terrific score and transitionally edited with brilliance, while the screenplay balances signature witty charm and thematically purposeful weaknesses. As mentioned, the spectacle includes the unique approach that truly evoked a different experience when replacing the human portrayal of Williams into an ape from the “Planet of the Apes” stellar reboots. Weird idea and occasional cringes aside, the visuals never gone off-key regarding the transformation feeding onto our favorably accustomed appeal from those films to admire the enabling soulfulness that has proven more emotionally weighed than facial normalcy. Jonno Davies is Williams’ stand-in portrayal, both physical and vocal with surprising results in undergoing his own capture that leads to misidentifying the actual singer’s participation aside from narrating. The only time he portrays himself was at the end that caps the possible therapeutic edge through his prolific exploration’s hefty grasp, and that felt more personally touched than his defenses. An artistic event at this scope is actually surpassed by its emotional center with identifiable resonance as his prolonging journey pits him against his past aspectual demons, judgmentally contradicting the insecure self in an effective sympathetic direction, accumulating in the final scene’s emotional payoff after briefly sequential reconciliations in a wholesome smile. As indicated by the box office returns, Robbie Williams is internationally unsung without broader acknowledging appeal except to benefit from a gimmickry draw as his granted projection of how he sees himself, hence a unique artistic experience with minimal compel. With Gracey’s visionary stature, Williams artistically projects his literal primitivity seeking evolution amidst “Better Man” that seemingly eager to solely treat the converted listeners, while those in the outer margins can still enjoy the typical assets but no more than resonating through the emotional center’s thematic dive. Much like the singer himself when he visited the career counsel and refused to remain grounded and got to soar, the film captures his sensation as it appreciatively make up for our lack of knowledge, signifying that if a subject does not seem interesting but decidedly uses a gimmick as its attractive grip it will still be enjoyable enough to discover its own ascension when given a chance. However, if still not motivated to check it out, you are actually not missing much when a simple recommendation would not justify in long certifying terms. (B)

Aesthetically brilliant, should be nominated for best editing.

Well acted great dancers and very entertaining

It’s too bad people won’t look past the gimmick and see the fantastic and visually beautiful film behind it. Emotional, entertaining and meaningful.

I thought it was an incredible movie. The story was told in such a brilliant way. It really takes it to another level compared to other artist/musicians movies. I can’t wait to take more people. Suck a lovely and at times heartbreaking story that needs to be shared.

Definitely the most creative movie I have seen this year.

I loved it! Interesting way to tackle his rise to fame riddled with insecurity. It was well written with laughs, sadness and a lot of introspective periods. I wish it would have delved into his music career here in the states, but there is only so much you can reflect on in a 2 hour film.

A very unexpected . Loved this movie..Because it was built around a pop boys band scenario, I wasnt sure Id like it too much but took a chance and so glad we did. We are seniors and still much appreciated the story and even the music

So damn good. Smart and funny and poignant. Totally worth it.

whether you are a fan of Robbie Williams or don't really know who he is, this is a compelling story with an original way of portraying the subject of the biopic. It's a truly interesting film about someone who I didn't know at all but enjoyed the experience of his life story so far.

A remarkable musical journey with a well placed twist

Why the CGI? I must be missing the deep symbolism.

Great biopic and background on Robbie Williams' career. Music is great!

Better Man is brilliant and touching. It is based on the life, somewhat fictionalized, of Robbie Williams who tells us a story we have read and seen before about pop stardom. Yet it strikes a deeper chord about human feelings told through the life of an ape who grows up to become the most successful solo artist in British history. It is one of the greatest musical biopics ever.

I knew nothing about this movie or its story when I went. It is a British movie. I think the dialogue was hard to understand at times. I don’t enjoy watching people take drugs, treat others badly and try to kill themselves. It was sad and hurtful. I wish I would have walked out when it started. The music wasn’t even good.

This is the best movie Ive seen in a long time. The acting the singing, the storyline everything about this film was beautiful. If youre looking for a film that has a little bit of everything, this is it. Its very heartfelt, and all in all just well done.

A classic sex drugs and rock and roll bio pic told in an extremely imaginative and heart warming, new way. Musical numbers and film direction were perfect. i even cried a little. See it on a big screen!

Very enjoyable and relatable, whether or not you are a fan of his music