Robbie Williams Biopic ‘Better Man’ Embraces CGI and Motion Capture for Unprecedented Life Portrayal

The world of music biopics, often adhering to conventional narrative structures, is set to witness a radical departure with ‘Better Man’, the highly anticipated film about the life of British pop icon Robbie Williams. Directed by Michael Gracey, the movie takes an unprecedented approach, opting to portray Williams not through a traditional actor in makeup, but as a sophisticated CGI chimpanzee.

This bold creative choice was prominently showcased at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival, where ‘Better Man’ held its premiere, immediately sparking discussion about its innovative technique and storytelling ambition. Providing the voice and embodying the complex physicality of the animated protagonist is actor Jonno Davies, whose casting was initially announced in 2022. Davies’ role involves extensive performance capture and motion-capture work, translating his portrayal into the digital realm.

An Unconventional Vision: The Genesis of the Concept

Director Michael Gracey, known for his visually striking work on ‘The Greatest Showman’, explained the rationale behind this unique concept. According to Gracey, the decision to depict Robbie Williams as a CGI monkey was directly inspired by Williams’ own descriptions of his life experiences. This metaphorical representation aims to delve deeper than a surface-level recounting of events, exploring the internal world, struggles, and transformation of the acclaimed artist through an allegorical lens.

Gracey and Williams’ collaborative relationship predates ‘Better Man’, having initially connected while working together on ‘The Greatest Showman’. This established rapport seemingly provided the foundation of trust necessary to embark on such an unconventional and deeply personal project.

Bringing Williams to Life: Motion-Capture and Performance

At the core of bringing the CGI chimpanzee representation of Robbie Williams to the screen is the performance of Jonno Davies. Tasked with the challenging role, Davies provides both the vocal performance and the physical essence captured through state-of-the-art motion-capture technology. This process involves Davies performing scenes in a specialized suit equipped with sensors, allowing his movements, gestures, and expressions to be translated onto the digital model of the chimpanzee.

This reliance on performance capture highlights the film’s commitment to grounding the fantastical concept in a genuine human performance. Davies’ work is crucial in conveying the emotional depth and nuances of Williams’ life, ensuring that the animated avatar remains relatable and serves as a genuine vehicle for the narrative, rather than simply a visual gimmick. His casting was a significant step in the film’s production timeline, publicly confirmed in 2022, signaling the tangible progress of this ambitious project.

Charting a Tumultuous Journey: From Take That to Solo Stardom

The narrative of ‘Better Man’ promises a comprehensive and unflinching look at Robbie Williams‘ life story. The film navigates the complexities of his journey, beginning with his complicated childhood, which laid the groundwork for his later experiences. It chronicles his ascent to fame as a member of the phenomenally successful boyband Take That, capturing the whirlwind of early celebrity and the pressures that came with it.

Following his departure from the group, the film delves into the evolution of his solo career, which saw him become one of the most successful and recognizable figures in global pop music. However, ‘Better Man’ does not shy away from the darker aspects of his life, portraying his widely publicized struggles with drugs and alcohol. The narrative also explores his relationships and the notorious period of intense partying that often accompanied his fame.

A central theme of the film is Williams’ eventual reinvention, depicting his efforts to overcome personal demons and find a path towards stability and continued artistic relevance. The filmmakers have stated their aim is to offer an honest portrayal of Williams’ experiences, including delving into deeply vulnerable moments that have defined his public and private life. The use of the CGI monkey serves as a unique filter through which these raw and personal aspects are explored.

Behind the Scenes: Collaboration and Craft

The creative engine behind ‘Better Man’ is the partnership between director Michael Gracey and the subject himself, Robbie Williams. Their initial connection, formed while working on the critically acclaimed musical film ‘The Greatest Showman’, laid the foundation for ‘Better Man’. This established trust was essential in developing a concept as unconventional as portraying the artist as a CGI chimpanzee, a concept directly derived from Williams’ own reflections on his life.

The selection of Jonno Davies for the pivotal role utilizing motion-capture was a key development, publicly announced in 2022. Davies’ ability to channel the essence of Williams’ personality and energy, combined with the technical execution of the animation, was critical to realizing Gracey’s vision.

Premiering on the Global Stage: The Telluride Debut

The decision to premiere ‘Better Man’ at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival positioned the film firmly within the prestigious landscape of international cinema events. Telluride is renowned for showcasing films that push artistic boundaries, making it an ideal platform for introducing such an unconventional biopic to critics, industry professionals, and discerning audiences. The premiere offered the first public glimpse into how this unique blend of narrative, technology, and performance translates to the screen.

The reception at Telluride will be instrumental in shaping the early narrative surrounding ‘Better Man’, particularly regarding the effectiveness and artistic merit of the CGI chimpanzee concept and Jonno Davies‘ performance capture work in conveying the honest portrayal of Robbie Williams‘ life journey.

In conclusion, ‘Better Man’ stands as a fascinating experiment in the music biopic genre. By employing CGI and motion-capture to realize Robbie Williams as a chimpanzee, based on his own descriptions, director Michael Gracey and actor Jonno Davies aim to provide an unparalleled look into the artist’s life – from his early days with Take That, through well-documented struggles and triumphs, culminating in a narrative presented with striking originality at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival. The film’s success will likely hinge on its ability to use this innovative approach to create a compelling, empathetic, and truly honest portrayal of a global superstar.