Better Man

Better Man

Plot

The film "Better Man" delves into the extraordinary life of Robbie Williams, one of the most influential and successful figures in the music industry. From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to fame with Take That and his subsequent solo career, Robbie's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unrelenting passion for music. As a youth, Robbie is depicted as an energetic and eccentric youngster, forever striving to find his place in the world. It is in this state of uncertainty that he discovers his love for music, joining various neighborhood choirs and garage bands in a bid to find his voice. Roberts father's own musical inclinations eventually lead Robbie to meet his future nemesis, his father's close friend Paul, who is an accomplished guitarist himself and acts as a sort of mentor to Robbie, passing on stories and experiences to better prepare Robbie for later music undertakings. Robbie's life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange, and, at the age of 16, they form Take That – the precursor to one of the most successful boy bands in history. Under the guidance of Nigel Martin-Smith, they embark on an ambitious plan to make it big in the cutthroat music industry. The early days were rife with struggles; grueling rehearsals, a demanding schedule, and constant touring left the members exhausted, some questioning the strain it all took on them and relationships. Despite these challenges, the group persisted – pouring their hearts and souls into crafting captivating performances, unique choreography, and unforgettable dance routines. By the early 1990s, Take That's hard work pays off, as the group's breakthrough success brings them to national attention, dominating the UK charts with iconic hits like "Pray," "Relight My Fire," and "Patience." However, the pressures of fame soon begin to take its toll. Feuds within the group contribute to mental and emotional strain that threatens to extinguish their flame. After deciding to take a hiatus in 1996, Robbie seizes the chance to revitalize his interests in cricket, his favored recreational activity. Eventually, however, it was revealed Robbie decided to continue his focus on football – being less apt to succeed. With his cherished musical break also over, Robbie sets his sights on a solo musical career. Little would he have known that a temporary departure would ultimately position him for unparalleled success. Indeed, Robbie returns to the spotlight, armed with newfound confidence and determination. "Life Thru a Lens," his debut solo album, is a resounding triumph, launching the song "Angels" to instant success. This resurgent star would never falter – smashing records, pushing boundaries, and defying the odds. The record-breaking album was followed by an equivalent groundbreaking performance on tour, elevating Robbie Williams as the dominant force in the music industry. "Sunny Afternoon" depicts Robbie grappling with fame's immense pressures, he finds himself confronted by life's darker side - anxiety, heavy substance abuse, and tabloid frenzy fueled suspicion surrounding his mental health. Forced into the public eye for his self destruction and reckless behavior, he knows he must confront his demons and rededicate himself to sobriety and balancing his indulgent artistic pursuits alongside responsible planning. As a leading solo artist, Robbie continues to craft groundbreaking material, solidifying his reputation for brilliance both as a vocalist and a performer. The 2001 world tour takes the stage by storm. Robbie is eventually crowned the best-selling solo artist in British history in 1999 just before he would start writing again; he finds encouragement and camaraderie from long-time producers Guy Chambers. A slew of earth-shaking records emerges at the very pinnacle of the music hierarchy over the years of working solidly with Chambers; one of the earliest collaboration being the 1998 debut single title "Millennium," solidifying the success. Ultimately, Robbie emerges from his numerous turbulent battles - both inside and outside the limelight, now celebrated as a visionary genius and regarded for ten solid years as the greatest Rockstar of the era by fans and critics alike alike, he is acknowledged for outlast, putting all his efforts into winning, not on a desperate chase of the bottom, for the joy of existence.

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Reviews

C

Catalina

This Robbie Williams biopic takes an unusual turn by portraying the protagonist as a chimpanzee. Apparently, the filmmakers felt detached from traditional biopics and wanted to create a more subjective and emotionally resonant experience for Williams himself. Hence, the chimp substitution. To be honest, it feels a bit gimmicky, and the suicide prevention messaging at the end feels somewhat inappropriate. The film skips the entire journey to fame, focusing instead on the internal struggles and disorientation that followed. It eventually touches on the "Better Man" theme, but it's hard to truly connect with this portrayal. Perhaps more focus on...

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6/16/2025, 9:08:23 AM
S

Steven

Is this what they call celebrity privilege? After watching, I couldn't help but feel that this insignificant drama and the cliché life of some random European or American teenager interviewed on the street - is THIS what deserves a biopic? Even through his subjective lens, it's hard not to empathize with the teammates he vilifies, the family and friends he hurts because even his moments of guilt and self-loathing reek of narcissism and the emphasis that "I am the main character." And the way the film portrays his comeback is just too easy. There are no real external failures or consequences. The least they could have shown was the struggle of getting clean from drugs. To pin the main blame...

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6/12/2025, 9:24:53 AM

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