Michael Gracey’sBetter Manis one of the most creative and inventive biopics in recent memory, detailing the turbulent life of British pop icon Robbie Williams through the lens of a singing, dancing, CGI monkey. It’s a totally unique spin on a genre that’s otherwise become far too saturated, and the film definitely benefits as a result. It’s an extremely honest examination of Williams’ life, and despiteBetter Man’s box office failure, the film still deserves recognition for its introspective and reflective story.
In addition to the very transparent storytelling,Better Manalso shines thanks to its brilliant use of music- and the intricate dance choreography that goes alongside it. As he displayed withThe Greatest Showman, Gracey knows exactly how to use musical numbers in order to push the story forward and develop characters’ relationships, and he manages it again with Williams’ biopic. The two films are very similar in their stylistic flair and dynamic direction - althoughBetter Manis notably not suitable for children.
“Rock DJ”
13I Found Heaven
Released In 1992
“I Found Heaven” is one ofthe few Take That songs to appear on theBetter Mansoundtrack, and it’s certainly an unconventional single for the film to use. While it’s one of the band’s earliest hits, and the tune of the music fits neatly with the atmosphere of the movie, it’s hard to imagine that this song was a truly necessary inclusion. The song plays during the film’s first act, as Robbie Williams and his fellow bandmates make a name for themselves in England’s gay club scene.
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While there’s plenty to enjoy about this song (it’s upbeat, catchy, and perfectly contrasts the depression that Williams is feeling at this point in his life),it’s ultimately quite a niche Take That songthat probably could have been replaced by one of their bigger hits, like “Pray” or “Never Forget”.
12Land Of 1000 Dances
Released In 1966
The inclusion of “Land of 1000 Dances” inBetter Man’s soundtrackis another surprising one, as it’s not a song that’s frequently associated with Robbie Williams or Take That.The song was originally written and released in 1966 by Wilson Pickett, but re-recorded for the biopic by Robbie Williams in late 2024.
In the film, this song is used to help transition Williams from the corny pop music of his boy group days to the more ambitious, rockstar energy of his early solo career.It’s accompanied in the film by a great montage of Williams’ earliest concerts, which is one ofBetter Man’s highlights.
11Forbidden Road
Released In 2024
“Forbidden Road” isan original song that was recorded by Robbie Williamsspecifically for the release ofBetter Man, and it plays over the closing credits to the film. With lyrics that discuss the artist’s spiritual journey over the years, including lines such as“you need to lose your mind to get back to the light sometimes”,the song perfectly encapsulates the hopeful message of the film.
The song is easily overshadowed by the other content inBetter Man’s closing credits, which chronicle Williams’ real-life journey in comparison to the monkey-fueled narrative of the film.
The only reason that “Forbidden Road” doesn’t rank higher amongBetter Man’s best songs is thatit doesn’t really play a huge role in the story. The song is easily overshadowed by the other content inBetter Man’s closing credits, which chronicle Williams’ real-life journey in comparison to the monkey-fueled narrative of the film.
10Feel
Released In 2002
“Feel” isone ofBetter Man’s first musical numbers, and while the single ranks firmly amongRobbie Williams’ biggest songs, its inclusion in the narrative isn’t as powerful as it could have been. The song is performed by a preteen version of Williams (as a monkey), and lacks the strong vocals that make it such an emotional ballad.
Interestingly,the instrumentals of “Feel” are used as a recurring motifthroughoutBetter Manthat constantly draws attention to how much Williams has changed from the young man (or monkey) that he once was. Director Michael Gracey really makes the most of this tune, and it leaves a strong impact.
9Something Beautiful
“Something Beautiful” isone of Robbie Williams’ most sincere and heartfelt songs, andBetter Mandoes a great job of depicting the singer’s reluctance to show this vulnerable side of himself. The song plays during Williams’ first meeting with his long-time collaborator Guy Chambers, who was credited as the co-writer of many of the artist’s most popular singles.
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The dynamic between Williams and Chambers offers some much-needed humor and lightheartedness in this dark period of the singer’s life, andBetter Manuses this song as a way of showing how strong their professional dynamic was. The pair bounce off each other effortlessly, and songs like “Something Beautiful” were born as a result.
8Better Man
Released In 2000
Better Manchanges certain aspects of Robbie Williams’ life, but one thing that it clearly gets right is the singer’s journey of self-discovery and healing in the latter part of his career. This song is a clear indicator of that, andit plays towards the end of the film as Robbie makes amendswith the people he’s mistreated over the years.
This is the perfect song forBetter Manto take its name from, as it’s extremely introspective and speaks volumes about the way Robbie Williams sees himself as a person. Both lyrically and musically,it’s one of the film’s most powerful songsand a perfect way to bring this story to a close.
7Relight My Fire
Released In 1993
Better Manonly spends a short amount of time exploring Robbie Williams’ involvement in Take That, and as a consequence, there aren’t too many songs from the boy band in the film’s soundtrack. However, Gracey still managed to make room for the group’s first major hit, “Relight My Fire,” which is a disco-inspired pop tune that rocketed the boys into the public eye.
This was the perfect Take That song to include inBetter Man, not just because of how catchy and enthusiastic it is, but also because of how clearly it makes Robbie Williams seem like the outlier of the group.
This wasthe perfect Take That song to include inBetter Man, not just because of how catchy and enthusiastic it is, but also because of how clearly it makes Robbie Williams seem like the outlier of the group. He doesn’t enjoy the song’s intricate choreography and melodramatic vocals like his bandmates, and that’s the first step in his isolation.
6My Way
Released In 1969
After playing briefly in the film’s opening scene, “My Way” appears once more inBetter Man’s emotional endingas the show-stopping closer to the “One Night with Robbie Williams”show. It’sone of the film’s saddest scenes, as Williams calls his father onto the stage and the pair finally reconcile their differences.
The complex dynamic between Robbie and his father is one ofBetter Man’s strongest aspects, and “My Way” is the perfect song to bookend their relationship. From singing it together in their small council house in Stoke-on-Trent to performing it side-by-side on the world’s stage, the pair quickly forget their differences and overcome their grudge.
5She’s The One
Released In 1999
“She’s The One” isBetter Man’s big romantic number, playing towards the middle of the film and markingthe beginning of Robbie Williams’ relationship with Canadian singer Nicole Appleton. Their dynamic quickly becomes the film’s most engaging plot point, as Williams is unable to put aside his demons to devote himself to her.
The song was originally recorded by British rock band World Partyin 1997, but Williams’ cover soon became the more well-known version of the ballad. Its musical notes are references many times inBetter Manas the singer’s relationship worsens, and he’s reminded of the romantic ideals he’s left behind.
4Come Undone
Released In 2003
“Come Undone” isone of Robbie Williams’ most biting and honest songs, speaking about life in the spotlight and the dangers that such a public life brings. InBetter Man, it plays shortly after the singer’s departure from Take That.
Better Manuses the song in a very clever way to draw parallels between Williams’ exit from Take That and his father’s departure as a youth.
With lyrics such as “do another interview, sing a bunch of lies, tell about celebrities that I despite”,this single doesn’t hold back about Williams’ dissatisfactionwith this period of his life.Better Manuses the song in a very clever way to draw parallels between Williams’ exit from Take That and his father’s departure as a youth.
