Robbie Williams: The Man, The Myth, The Monkey?

Sophia Sullivan

Contributing Writer 

This holiday season is an exciting time for Robbie Williams fans because the pop singer’s biopic “Better Man” hits theaters Jan. 17, 2025, but the film’s trailer harbors one puzzling detail: its star is not a man but a monkey. The picture tells the story of British pop icon Robbie Williams and the pressures he faces from himself and others on his quest for fame and love, yet does so with the caveat of a rather ape-like portrayal of the singer.

In a recent piece from The Independent discussing reactions to the upcoming film, it’s mentioned that critics who previewed the film at the Telluride Film Festival described Williams’ characterization as a “wild choice;” yet it’s a creative decision that raises some very important questions about how the celeb views himself and how he maybe wishes his audience could see him, and themselves too.

Some fans, like viewer @mrngaming, have questioned the choice, seeing the film’s official trailer and, on first watch, saying, “what on earth were they thinking?” Fans may be concerned about the laughable nature of the CGI creature, or even be wondering if it was appropriate for Williams to take on this form considering the fact that many people of African descent have been characterized in such a way. However, in lieu of the trailer’s overall context, the decision to depict the singer in this way seems to exist purely as a means of spreading self-acceptance and compassion for others and does not appear to have been motivated by mockery or racial prejudice. Williams even hints at an overall message of love in his opening monologue of the aforementioned trailer by explaining that he’s taken on a monkey form because he “doesn’t see [himself] how others see [him].” He believes that the outside world may view him as a man who’s got it all, but the road to success hasn’t been without its ups and downs.

The reason Williams states he has chosen this ape-like appearance is because, in his eyes, “[he’s] always been a little less evolved.” Saying this, he opens up about his deep insecurities. This movie quirk is meant to symbolize Williams’ self-conceptualization and allude to how he’s not as confident as he appears. This unique choice depicts him as a caged circus animal suffering through the judgment of others — even his own father — whilst being forced to hide his pain and put on a good show.

Williams may also hope to help others through this decision. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the performer shared his hopes that the film can be “a healing process for people.” The character and storytelling choice aspires to make viewers feel that they are not alone in their struggles. Through this detail they might be able to see that Williams has suffered in similar ways, yet he has fought for and made strides in learning to love himself no matter what his haters may say. The hope is that when viewers see what he’s been able to accomplish, they might see that there is hope for them to do the same.

Filmmaker Michael Gacey also spoke to the Hindustan on choosing to portray Williams in this way, mentioning that “For someone who sees themselves as a performing monkey, it makes a lot of sense.” He added that seeing with their own eyes the struggle for self-acceptance which stars like Williams face, and how misunderstood they may feel even by their own fans, might give audiences “more empathy for the monkey.” 

These statements highlight his and William’s desire for the primate performance to ironically help fans see the pop idol in a more human light. Pop Stars may be fortunate in many ways, but they are still made of flesh and bone like anybody else. This seemingly silly design choice emphasizes the importance of kindness not only toward oneself but toward everyone.