The biopic Better Man offers a groundbreaking exploration of fame through an unprecedented cinematic lens, depicting Robbie Williams' life journey as a CGI chimpanzee. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film transforms the traditional music biography by presenting Williams' story through a surreal, metaphorical animated representation. Jonno Davies provides motion capture for the character, while Williams himself contributes voice work, creating a unique narrative approach that symbolizes the dehumanizing nature of pop stardom.

The film chronicles Williams' meteoric rise from being the youngest member of Take That to becoming a record-breaking solo artist, capturing the complex emotional landscape of celebrity. By portraying Williams as a CGI chimp, the movie ingeniously illustrates the performer's own perspective of feeling like a "performing monkey" in the entertainment industry. The animated representation allows for a raw and unfiltered exploration of Williams' struggles with depression, addiction, and the psychological toll of fame, presenting these challenging themes with unexpected emotional depth.

Gracey's innovative storytelling reimagines Williams' greatest hits, recontextualizing songs like "Feel," "Come Undone," and "She's The One" to reveal deeper personal narratives. The film avoids the typical "jukebox musical" format, instead offering a nuanced examination of Williams' journey through a surreal lens. Performances like the iconic "Rock DJ" are transformed into choreographed sequences that capture the almost superhuman experience of pop stardom, while simultaneously exposing its inherent fragility and psychological challenges.

The movie's unique approach extends beyond mere visual gimmickry, serving as a profound metaphor for the entertainment industry's demanding nature. Williams himself explains the concept, stating, "There is a submission to the machinery of the industry that demands you to be robotic or monkey-like." By depicting the pop star as a CGI primate, Better Man creates a powerful allegory that strips away the glamorous veneer of celebrity, revealing the raw, often painful human experience beneath. The film navigates classic narrative elements of ambition, descent, and redemption while maintaining an unprecedented level of artistic innovation.