Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: BETTER MAN [Toronto Intl Film Festival 2024 - Toronto, Ontario]
The aspect of biopic is reflected in many ways in perspective and perception but it depends who is doing the viewing. The person of focus here is pop star Robbie Williams who was at the apex of his fame in the mid 2000s. By even by his own admission on stage after the premiere, he was motivated by fame. The unusual approach here in “Better Man” [Gala Presentations/Canadian Premiere], shepherded by “The Greatest Showman” director Michael Gracey, is that he is played by a monkey facsimile very similar to “Planet Of The Apes.” Of course it does help that Weta who did the “Apes” films and “Lord Of The Rings” did the effects. Many of the artists were at the premiere and the after party (where Williams performed) so it shows how integral that is (and Gracey was an FX artist before becoming a director). It is an interesting balance since it is the reverse of the "“Apes” films with an ape taking on all the human behaviors. But as a follow up to “The Greatest Showman,” it is an interesting swing but not a home run. Williams’ story is not as much removed to have significant relevance (at least for US audience but likely is different abroad). His journey is one of self absorption, drug use, depression, talent and anxiety but one never quite feels the depth of emotional core. It tends to feel (despite wanting to be the latter) more surface (or superficial if you will). The sequences are interesting but not overtly life changing. The music is fun but not uber transformative. The main sequence that wows is a transition sequence on a London street which has the energy that one wishes the entire movie had including large dance sequence, movement…the whole nine yards. Of course it is supposed to be more dreamlike whereas the rest of the film is supposedly about the redemption in play. Another actor (Jonno Davies) actually plays Williams in his body form as a monkey but it will be interesting to see down the line if they actually used Williams’ eyes (as that was not confirmed). The journeyhere seems to be one born of validation but even in person Williams says he is a narcissist but what motivates him in the movie seems empty (despite its rigor). There is misused element of romance he has with a girl group member but what starts as something dynamic (a scene on a boat wracked with special effects has the initial energy of “Elephant Love Medley” from “Moulin Rouge” but doesn’t quite have that same trajectory0. The reasoning might be stakes but then again Williams’ story is still in motion yet the peak phase per se is over. Granted Williams and Gracey don’t sugarcoat his persona or personality and that is to be commended. You see him warts and all (much like “Rocketnan”). The difference is (at least for American audiences) most of the songs are not recognizable whereas Elton’s are. However, it might simply be generational. Most Americans know him more from the paparazzi stories and him eventually moving to LA to get away from the UK but that also changed his celebrity. It is an interesting subject but perhaps more of a global one where singing along is more of an option. B-
By Tim Wassberg
