Robbie Williams' biopic 'Better Man,' directed by Michael Gracey, explores his journey from 'Take That' to solo stardom, addressing personal struggles, sexuality speculation, and unique storytelling choices.
The film, featuring Williams as a CGI chimpanzee, is set to release on December 26.
- Robbie Williams addresses his sexuality rumors
- His 'Better Man' biopic features unique storytelling
- Film explores personal and career challenges
Robbie's career is the stuff of dreams
Robbie Williams, the iconic British pop star, recently opened up about the persistent speculation regarding his sexuality.
In an interview with 'The Guardian', Williams candidly remarked, "I’ve done everything but suck a c--k. Honestly, you’ve never met somebody that wants to be gay as much as me," referencing a 2005 libel case against a tabloid.
This case had claimed he engaged in "homosexual encounters." Despite these rumors, Williams emphasized the importance of being an ally while maintaining his authenticity. Reflecting on his early performances with Take That in gay clubs, he fondly recalled an environment of "total acceptance and humour."
Directed by Michael Gracey, known for 'The Greatest Showman,' 'Better Man' chronicles Williams' rise to fame, struggles with substance abuse, and mental health challenges.
The film takes an unconventional approach by portraying Williams as a CGI chimpanzee, a decision that initially posed challenges in securing funding. Gracey shared, "Convincing financiers was really hard." However, this unique storytelling choice adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
Personal and Professional Struggles
The biopic also delves into Williams' complex relationships, including with his former Take That bandmate Gary Barlow. Barlow, concerned about his portrayal, reportedly told Williams, "Rob, read the script, I come off worse than Darth Vader in the first ‘Star Wars.’"
Additionally, the film explores Williams' relationship with Nicole Appleton and a sensitive scene involving a terminated pregnancy, included with Appleton's consent.
Williams reflected on the pressures of the music industry, stating, “That you were guided, nay made, to terminate a life because of being in a pop band… It’s only now that you go ‘what the fuck? That’s insane.’”
Now a family man, Williams approaches his career with a newfound perspective. He explained, "Daddy goes to work, that’s what I say now. It wasn’t a job before. It wasn’t a job before. It was something that was supposed to be magical and when I got to the top of the mountain all that was there was existential crisis."
"People say ‘how dare you call it a job, all you do is X, Y and Z’, but just because your job is shit doesn’t mean my job has to be shit. This is my job – and I fu--ing love it," Williams said in the interview.
Williams also addressed the unconventional approach to his biopic, opting to be portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee rather than a human actor.
Also interesting:
An industry debate
Yuge expectations!
"Let’s face it, a Robbie Williams biopic without the monkey is way less appealing, or intriguing," Williams told 'The Guardian'. "It would be interesting to my fans, but not to anyone else."
'Better Man' is scheduled for release on Dec. 26.
