Mikes Film Talk

The 2024 biopic of Robbie Williams; Better Man is all about “Take That” memories and his personal journey. It appears that the cheeky chappy had a serious case of imposter syndrome. For those who remember the start, and rise, of Take That. As well as Williams’ rise to the top, this is a treat.

The Better Man Story

Williams, represented by a chimpanzee, rises in the world of fame and celebrity. A true showman. His journey is anything but smooth and the talented fellow is his own worst enemy.

The Better Man Cast

Robbie Williams is Robbie Williams (VO).

Jonno Davies is also Robbie Williams.

Steve Pemberton is Peter.

Damon Herriman is Nigel Martin Smith.

Alison Steadman is Betty.

Kate Mulvany is Janet.

Jake Simmance is Gary Barlow.

Jesse Hyde is Mark Owen.

*Kudos to John Waters for his turn as Parky, aka; Michael Parkinson.*

Lets Talk

My second wife adored Take That, although I believe her favorite was Mark Owen, or possibly Howard. Out of the lot though, I like Robbie. He was that cheeky monkey, “Jack the Lad,” in essence, the entertaining one.

Plus, he was a self admitted fan of my personal favorites, The Rat Pack. In his house, Dean, Sammy and Frank were his father’s “Gods” and Robbie’s as well. This peeling back of the public persona of Robbie Williams is fascinating and fun.

As a cathartic exercise for Williams, and an exercise in looking underneath that veneer, Better Man is good viewing. I’ll admit that having the monkey be Robbie, put me right off. It works though.

Anyone who watched the electric surge of Take That’s popularity will remember that Williams was that cheeky monkey. The rest of the manufactured band were dull in comparison. Gary Barlow was hard to like. Barlow always seemed nervous and a little pompous in interviews. Mark Owens was the one folks were drawn to. Howard and Jason were necessary to fill out the vocals.

It was Robbie though, that everyone was drawn to. He craved the limelight as a sort of justification for his fame, his very existence. If you doubt this, watch the proper documentary, it backs up his “story.”

Norman Wisdom

I always felt that Robbie was the “Norman Wisdom” of the pop world. It does seem he tried to be that diminutive comic. *I was gobsmacked to learn that Williams is actually over six feet tall. He always “felt” smaller, it was part of his cheeky chappy persona.*

Better Man

This is a splendid, entertaining look at a varied career. A young man who felt undervalued and untalented. In the era of manufactured groups, he became a star. By the end of the film, we do believe he is a better man.

The Verdict

This artistic approach to the musical biopic works brilliantly. Two seconds into the film and I forgot my initial discomfort about the chimp. Better Man is a 5 star bit of entertainment. It is streaming on Prime right now.

The Trailer