When making a movie, especially one about your own life, sometimes it’s just as challenging to figure out what shouldn’t be in the movie, but exactly what happened in the entertaining and bombastic new movie, Better man. In an exclusive interview with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff for Collider forcesPop legend Robbie Williams talked about his creative process Better manthe musical biopic that chronicles his life, and revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about his approach to the film’s soundtrack. As it turns out, even global superstars like Williams sometimes need a reality check.

Better man chronicles the life of Williams, who has been a pop idol and icon in the UK for around 30 years. It follows his early days as a member of boy band Take That through his rise to solo superstardom, and also explores the darker aspects of Williams’ life, including his struggles with mental health, addiction and fame. Oh, and he’s also portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee in the film.

When discussing his involvement in creating the music for the film, Williams shared that he initially pushed to include certain songs – only to later realize that they didn’t fit the tone of the film. Williams recalled making the mistake, citing his work putting together the soundtrack with the director Michael Gracey (The greatest showman). He told Collider:

“I sent over these songs where I thought, ‘This is a banger. This is a blast. You’re wrong’. And I had heard this story about ‘Lose Yourself’ in.” 8 mile and how the director sent it back, and Eminem was right. And I’m like, ‘In this moment, I’m Eminem.’ That’s the song, and you’re wrong.'”

Robbie Williams recognized that the music needed a finer touch

However, as Williams eventually discovered, Gracey’s vision was for Better man required a more delicate touch. “Then I saw the finished version and thought, ‘I completely understand why these songs weren’t chosen and I completely understand what you need there.’ What I sent wasn’t a cuddle. What I sent was not reassuring. “What I sent wasn’t healing,” he admitted.

With the help of the songwriter and producer, Williams finally found the right musical balance Freddy Wexler. Reflecting on the collaboration, Williams expressed gratitude for the learning experience, saying, “Then we delivered, thank God. Me and a wonderful songwriter and producer named Freddy Wexler. Incredibly talented. Namaste. I love him.”

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates Better man.

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Directed by Michael Gracey, Better Man explores the life and career of singer Robbie Williams through his own eyes.

Release date

December 25, 2024

Pour

Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Damon Herriman, Anthony Hayes, Kate Mulvany

Main genre

biography

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