Robbie Williams reveals why biopic ‘Better Man’ made him cry

When imagining a musical biopic of famed singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, a CGI chimpanzee in the lead role is not an obvious choice. However, Better manin the hands of writer-director producer Michael Gracey (The greatest showman), sees the legendary ‘performing monkey’, played by Jonno Davies, become the key to a poignant tale of dehumanizing celebrity. As Williams puts it, “It’s a very special magic trick. It desensitizes and sensitizes you all at the same time. We have deep empathy and compassion for animals, far more than we do for humans.”

In 1990, Williams rose to fame aged just 16 in the British boy band Take That. Better man documents his early family life, his struggles with celebrity and addiction, and his journey to recovery and dissolution, set to the sound of his own music. Here, Williams digs into his feelings about the film, his career memories and what he loves to see on screen.

My story on screen

(Take That bandmate) Mark (Owen), reached out last week and said, “Hey Rob, me and the boys are all going into town. Can we see a screening of Better man?” And I thought, “Yes. I would love you.” Which of course I would, but I’m also terrified because our relationship is so complicated and so healed that going back to the scene and speaking the way I spoke as a 17-year-old is bound to open old. hurt to humans. (My ex-girlfriend) Nicole (Appleton) went to see it last week with Natalie, her sister. I FaceTimed them all right after the movie and we all cried together. I don’t know how Liam (Gallagher) will react to being in the movie. It will be interesting. What I am most worried about is my father because he is a crucial part of that film. And what doesn’t come across in the film is how charismatic and charming and wonderful to be around my father.

My first TV lesson

Our first appearance on TV was on BSkyB and I think about 100 people in the UK probably had satellite dishes in their homes at the time. We were at Granada Studios in Manchester and Michaela Strachan was the host. That was it overwhelming and terrifying. I was already aware that my place in the band was not secure. And the management at the time had made me aware that they were unhappy with my progress, so I was terrified. Usually when you perform, you’re just terrified because of performance anxiety, and then you’re excited because something exciting has happened. But I was excited to be on TV and also sad that my livelihood and my future were at risk.

The best advice I have ever received

To me this made complete sense. It is embrace the madness. It changed my view of my job and what I do. You’re trying to protect yourself and control what’s happening to you so much, this overwhelming shit that’s happening, you’re pushing back against it so much. And since I’ve seen my job as a job, and since I’ve had kids and dad goes to work, and since I’ve embraced the craziness, my life has gotten so much better and I’m so grateful. I am so grateful to be who I am, to have what I have, and to experience what I experience. And the sad thing is that in all my splendor I experienced no joy whatsoever. Now there is heaps of joy and heaps of excitement. I claim my place in the world, feel comfortable in it and enjoy it. And that is a huge gift.

The part I always wanted

Growing up, I thought I was going to be an actor. And I auditioned for a boy band by mistake and came in. And I’ve been playing the role of pop star ever since. It’s me acting like I’m my screenwriter. I’m directing the shit show. But that being said, actually acting, I won’t do that. The whole thing about, “And now we’re shooting from a different angle.” I just take five steps and I turn right and we’re going to shoot the three different roads until Sunday and we’re going to do it until 3 o’clock this afternoon. When can I go and say things? That’s 5% of your job. The rest of it is bloody boring.

My hardest career experience

Having a panic attack for two hours in front of 75,000 people in Leeds 2006. It changed my life because it was such a traumatic experience that I had to act evasive. And from that moment, very slowly, I am the person I am today. I walked away and retired. It was so big in my head: This is killing me. Then my brain started turning to swiss cheese because I had no purpose. And I realized this is why people die when they retire. So I set the purpose before myself and my first purpose was to find out how to do this and enjoy it.

The movies that make me cry

I don’t watch movies that make me cry. I stay away from them because I don’t need melancholy because at least that’s how I feel between the ears. I want escape and stupidity. So anything that’s going to depress me, anything that’s going to make me sad, anything that’s going to make me cry, I avoid like I’m shrinking from a hot flame. Because of my ‘isms’, that’s where I am anyway. Why am I walking down that street? That’s where I’m trying to escape from. give me Housewives of Orange County. All of them Housewives.

The most fun I’ve had at work

I must say that it is right now with Better manit’s really exciting. I feel like a new artist that just got signed. And the excitement of what this new found world could mean. And I would say the most fun I’m having right now is because I might have the opportunity to have another bite of the apple and experience and enjoy the gifts I’ve been given. And it feels like with a twinkle in the eye that it might be happening.

The role I want to play

Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The part where he comes down in the elevator and he has his braces on. “How are you doing? I see you’ve met my trusty handyman.” Because it’s fun, and it’s silly, and it’s dark, and it’s stupid, and it’s massive, and it’s glorious. I am not one of those people who needs or wants to or will ever play Othello or Hamlet. But as I said earlier, I don’t want to make a big deal out of opening the door.

The character most like me

I think they are all people that I want to be, not something that reminds me of me. Danny Zuko was like, i want to be to. I want to live in the 50s, 60s. I want to go to that school. I want that life. I want to be that pretty with that jaw. And then, I don’t know if there are characters that are, oh, that’s me. These are all characters I want to be.

My most quoted lyrics

It doesn’t happen. Not for a long time. There is not that gathering of fans outside the hotel now. All have children or grandchildren. I think they understand the foolishness of showing up at a stranger’s hotel to go and sing songs to him. Yes. It doesn’t happen.

My Guilty Pleasure

I have no guilty plea. My view is my view. I will tell you at the moment, I am very happy that there are football games, Premier League and Port Vale division two. But I’m not satisfied with that Big brother does not ship on a Saturday, and Married at first sight is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only. With MAFScut to the bone and just do the Australian one because that’s the danger. Their psychological tests are not that strict, I think. It’s just amazing to see human behavior and double acts. It’s a soap and it’s Shakespeare. It is wonderful.

Who would play me in my biography

Well, we have the perfect person with Jonno Davies in it Better man. But what was the name of the boy with the cheeky face who’s great and he’s from London and he’s about 33? Is he in that movie with Harry Styles in it? (Pause) OK, so whoever I was thinking of isn’t in that movie, so I’ll go with it Barry Keoghan.

My karaoke playlist

I don’t do karaoke. It’s not my thing. It’s like saying, “OK, let’s have a night where we all get together and do some journalism. What’s your favorite thing to write about?” I don’t. Why? Because it’s my job.