Admittedly, it was a tough weekend for the film “Better Man” to open, as box office takings were significantly hampered by the devastating fires raging through Southern California. The film’s US premiere, which was scheduled for January 8, was ultimately canceled, leaving fans and industry insiders disappointed. The fires not only affected the film’s promotional activities but also cast a shadow over the entire cinematic landscape that weekend.
Despite the challenging circumstances, “Better Man” still faced stiff competition at the box office. The film’s earnings paled in comparison to other releases. For instance, the Golden Globes darling “The Brutalist,” a 3½-hour-long biopic about a Hungarian Holocaust-survivor architect, managed to earn an impressive US$1.38 million from just 68 screens. Meanwhile, “Den of Thieves 2,” featuring Gerard Butler as a heist-foiling police officer, topped the US box office with a staggering US$15.5 million from 3,008 theaters. In contrast, “Better Man” struggled to make a mark, grossing just over US$10 million globally by Wednesday.
Biopics often hinge on the audience’s familiarity with the subject, but “Better Man” faced an additional hurdle: the unconventional choice to portray Robbie Williams as a CGI chimpanzee. This directorial decision, which Williams himself endorsed, aimed to set the film apart in a saturated market. Williams has often joked about feeling like a “performing monkey” throughout his career, making the choice resonate with his fans. One TikToker even drew parallels between the film and Williams’ iconic 2000 “Rock DJ” music video, where he famously tears off his skin in a surreal performance. For many of his fans, this offbeat portrayal felt like a fitting tribute to the artist’s eccentric persona.
Breaking into the US market has always been a formidable challenge for Robbie Williams, a potty-mouthed larrikin from working-class England. His humor, often laced with cheekiness and irreverence, does not always translate well with American audiences. Williams’ candid storytelling and refusal to take himself too seriously have endeared him to British and Australian fans, but they have often left US audiences scratching their heads. Journalist Moya Lothian-McLean succinctly captured this sentiment, stating, “Robbie was never going to make it [in America]. He has too much about him.” While bands like Coldplay have found success with their inoffensive stadium rock, Williams’ demons, tattoos, and hedonistic lifestyle have made him a harder sell across the pond.
In a tongue-in-cheek moment, Williams recently declared that “Better Man” would be the film of the century, humorously placing it in the same league as cinematic masterpieces like “The Godfather.” This self-deprecating humor is characteristic of Williams, who has always embraced his larger-than-life persona.
Despite the unconventional premise and mixed box office reception, “Better Man” has garnered critical acclaim. With a record-breaking 16 nominations at the upcoming Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts awards, the film has resonated with audiences and critics alike. It boasts a 92 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics rating it at 88 percent. The film features a sweeping array of Williams’ discography and includes an epic dance number that showcases the artist’s vibrant energy.
To further promote the biopic, Williams staged a free concert in Melbourne, where much of the film was shot. The film has also been shortlisted for an Oscar for best visual effects and received a nomination for best original song at the Golden Globes. Critics have praised the film for its transformative energy and have noted that it stands out as a more unconventional entry in the musical biopic genre, drawing comparisons to films like “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
As “Better Man” continues to navigate the complexities of the film industry and audience reception, it remains a testament to Robbie Williams’ enduring appeal and the unique storytelling that defines his artistic journey.
