25/28
Featured in The 7PM Project: Episode 5 December 2024 (2024)
A singular profile of British pop superstar Robbie Williams.. The film emerged from multiple interview recordings made by director Michael Gracey with Robbie Williams over the course of a year and a half in Williams’ recording studio in Los Angeles, United States. Although the interviews were not originally intended for a film, as Gracey “just wanted to capture [Williams] in his own voice telling his story”, most of Williams’ voiceover in the film is from those recordings.. This film is not what I expected.
Jonno Davies is fantastic as Robbie, capturing his movements and idiosyncrasies perfectly
In a Robbie Williams biopic, we would expect colour, drama, music and dance, and this film does not disappoint in terms of spectacle. But where lesser biopics take you on a journey through the artist’s hits, this film takes you on a journey through Robbie Williams’ psyche as he tries to come to terms with having everything he’s ever wanted, but still feels like it’s not enough. The film moves at a breakneck pace and there are very few moments where the film stops to breathe, yet it’s a credit to Michael Gracey and the team around him that the film still packs a powerful punch. The team at Weta should also be praised for their incredible work, transforming his performance into a chimpanzee that epitomizes how Robbie (a high-performing ape, less evolved than those around him) sees himself.
The film benefits greatly from being an independent film
Raechelle Banno plays Nicole Appleton (from All Saints) and gives a moving performance as Robbie’s fiancée. Her dance performance and the montage of their meeting is truly one of the highlights of the film. Steve Pemberton is perfect as Robbie’s father – the man who made him what he became in the worst possible way. It feels like the story Michael Gracey really wanted to tell.
His singing and voice were also exceptional
The sex drugs and rock and roll are laid out in all their grotesque glory. Robbie Williams himself should also be praised for allowing the film to lay all his flaws and mistakes at the feet of the audience. He doesn’t come off well for large parts of the film, and the film is enhanced by his honesty with the audience. This film is bombastic and in your face for almost the entire running time, but, like the man it captures, it has a sensitive soul even beneath all the bravado.
I hope he achieves the success he deserves
It’s the best film of the year, a visual and aural feast.