Throughout the many pop stars of history, most have a straight-forward life and career path. They start out as a regular person who works hard and, through that hard work, becomes famous. For singer Robbie Williams, that was not the case. During the early 1990s, Robbie Williams started his fame through the band “Take That”. Through joining his band, he gained a lot of fame at a young age, which was not good for him. His young age made him immature and he made quick but bad decisions with drugs and money. In the movie Better Man, an R rated movie, it focuses on the life and career of Robbie Williams, showing his highs, lows, and eventual resurgence to fame. The movie Better Man is a perfect movie to watch to teach young kids not to get too famous, use their fame in the wrong way, or use money the wrong way.
The film highlights Williams’ early success as a member of “Take That” in the 1990s, where he experienced fame for the first time. Surrounded by fans and constant media attention, he faced the pressures of being young and in the spotlight. This period of his life showcases his talent and charm but also hints at the personal struggles bubbling beneath the surface. By the 2000s, Williams’ fame started to fade as he struggled with addiction, mental health issues, and changes in the music industry. This part of the movie is especially emotional, revealing his vulnerability and the toll that fame took on his life. It’s a truthful and honest portrayal of how success can sometimes come at a heavy cost, especially at a young age.
In the 2010s and 2020s, Williams managed to regain his fame by reconnecting with his audience and rediscovering his passion for music. The movie shows his resilience and determination as he worked to not only rebuild his career, but his life. One unique aspect of the storytelling is the use of a metaphorical monkey to represent his internal struggles and the way he perceived himself during his dark moments. Through an interview, Williams described himself as being “dragged on the stage to perform like a monkey”. That inspired director Michael Gracey to have Williams be played as a CGI monkey. This creative choice adds depth to the narrative and helps viewers understand the complexity of his journey.
The movie really shows struggles of fame and does not hold back on it. Personally, I really like that the movie didn’t hold back, as nowadays most movies do. Most kids will grow up wanting to be famous or popular, but don’t truly grasp the hardships behind it. This movie is great to teach people a lesson on fame and thatit should not be taken lightly. These lessons are very important, and I’m sure parents would want their kids to have a strong idea of their future.
Better Man plays a significant role in promoting Williams’ story, reminding fans and new audiences of his talent and the impact he has had on the music world. The film’s powerful storytelling and exceptional music make it a standout biopic. Overall, I give the movie a 9/10. The music was very good, and the story about his life was incredibly interesting. It’s a film that not only entertains but also leaves viewers with a deeper appreciation for Robbie Williams’ resilience and the challenges he overcame to reach success again. The Village School’s students who are aspiring musicians or actors can use this film as a strong reminder to be careful with your fame. It may look very fun on the outside, but on the inside it has its struggles.
