Why did Michael Gracey depicted Robbie Williams as a CGI monkey in Better Man? Explained

Better Man is a 2024 biographical musical play about the British pop musician Robbie Williams. Michael Gracey is the director of the film, which stars Williams as a CGI chimpanzee, with Jonno Davies providing motion capture and vocal work.

The film debuted at the Telluride Film Festival and was released on December 26, 2024. One of Better Man's most distinctive and well-liked characters is the CGI monkey.

This idea was curated by by director Michael Gracey to symbolize Robbie Williams' experience of being viewed as a "performing monkey" in the eyes of the public. It brought attention to Williams' inner conflicts, emotional journey, and mental health, enabling the movie to concentrate on his complex narrative rather than his outward appearance.

More about Robbie Williams playing a CGI monkey in Better Man

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Director Michael Gracey decided to use a computer-generated monkey to play Robbie Williams in Better Man. Williams frequently talked about how he felt like a "performing monkey," someone who was only appreciated for his stage presence rather than his true self. This viewpoint, in Gracey's opinion, was essential to narrating Williams' tale. Williams agreed with this narrative choice, stating that animals frequently make audiences care more, helping them to engage with the character on a deeper level.

The producers were also able to steer clear of the typical debate over who should play Williams by using computer-generated imagery. The movie concentrated on presenting the emotional reality of his journey rather than searching for someone to emulate him. His self-doubt, career pressure, and mental health difficulties were all expressed through the character of the monkey.

Voice cast of Better Man

The cast of Robbie Williams' biography includes several excellent actors. Robbie Williams will voice his character, with Jonno Davies portraying a young Robbie through voice and motion capture. Adam Tucker will perform Robbie's songs in the film. Steve Pemberton is set to play Robbie's father, Peter, while Kate Mulvany will portray his mother, Janet. Alison Steadman will bring the character of Robbie's grandmother, Betty, to life.

Robbie's manager, Nigel Martin-Smith, will be portrayed by Damon Herriman and Robbie's intermittent girlfriend, Nicole Appleton, will be played by Raechelle Banno. A number of Take That members are also set to make appearances in the movie, including Chase Vollenweider as Jason Orange, Liam Head as Howard Donald, Jesse Hyde as Mark Owen, and Jake Simmance as Gary Barlow.

Other notable actors are Tom Budge as Guy Chambers, Leo Harvey-Elledge as Liam Gallagher, and Chris Gunn as Noel Gallagher.

Exploring the plot

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Robbie Williams, a British pop musician, is the subject of the music biography Better Man, which follows his ascent to stardom, battles with addiction, and personal issues.

The movie, directed by Michael Gracey, opens with Williams' own voiceover, as he narrates his experience. In an unique experience, he sees himself as an anthropomorphic monkey in the film, which represents his sense of being imprisoned by the demands of celebrity.

The plot covers Robbie's path from boyhood and his time with the boy band Take That, to his successful solo career, including both his successes and mistakes. The film uses strange sequences and brilliant musical pieces to explore issues of self-doubt, relationships, and the impact of notoriety.

Read More: Why was Robbie Williams' song from Better Man disqualified from the Oscars?

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