September 11th 2024.
In an emotional moment, chart-topping singer Robbie Williams was moved to tears following the warm reception of his upcoming biopic, Better Man, at its premiere. The film, directed by The Greatest Showman's Michael Gracey, has been making headlines for its unconventional choice to portray Williams with a CGI monkey.
At the Toronto International Film Festival, the movie was shown to its first audiences, confirming the success of the bold casting decision. Critics have raved about the film, and 50-year-old Williams got to experience it for himself during a Q&A session with Gracey. When asked about reliving difficult parts of his life on screen, Williams, dressed in a stylish pinstripe suit, emotionally admitted that he was currently experiencing those feelings.
"This is the fourth time I've watched it and it's a different experience," he shared, before being overcome with emotion and holding his hand to his mouth. The audience cheered and clapped in support, and Williams took a moment to compose himself before playfully stating, "That's the thing about crying, once it starts, you feel like it's never going to stop. And I've got a film to sell!"
As Williams continued to struggle with his emotions, the crowd showed their love for him, and he reassured them that it was all right because he was "enjoying the overwhelming experience." Despite his tears, Williams maintained his sense of humor and joked that Paramount would be pleased with how he was promoting the film.
The premiere was followed by a post-screening reception, where Williams, who also served as the movie's EP, performed for the audience. In a clip shared on social media, he acknowledged the unusual casting choice, stating, "This is the equivalent to casting Lassie to play Frank Sinatra. Okay, maybe not that crazy, but close enough." He then asked the crowd if they found it weird, to which they responded with a resounding yes.
However, critics have praised the film's unconventional approach, with The Guardian giving it four stars and calling it "a bananas gamble that pays off." The Hollywood Reporter described it as a "wild, energetic head-scratcher" with the potential to become "a camp classic." Williams himself admitted that the monkey casting was "weird," but he was sold on the idea immediately when Gracey presented it to him.
"Before he'd finished the sentence, I was onboard. Totally onboard," Williams shared, adding, "It works, right? Not everything has to make sense now, does it?"
Better Man is set to hit UK cinemas on December 26. Williams is hopeful that the film will charm audiences in North America as well as his fans back home. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can get in touch with the entertainment team at The Agency by emailing us, calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We would love to hear from you.
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