Biographical movies are a dime a dozen, particularly in relation to musicians.
From the bombastic however shallow Elvis, the dire Bohemian Rhapsody, the equally garbage Again To Black, to the higher finish of the spectrum with Straight Outta Compton, Ray and Stroll The Line, there’s not often a 12 months that passes and not using a music biopic hitting the massive display.
However you’ve by no means seen something fairly like this one…
Higher Man, directed by Michael Gracey (The Best Showman), will chronicle the childhood and rise to fame of British star Robbie Williams, the ex-Take That member and solo singer who discovered fame with songs like ‘Angels’, ‘Rock DJ’ and ‘Let Me Entertain You’.
The 50-year-old famous person is concerned, however in an attention-grabbing twist, as an alternative of showing as himself on-screen or being performed by one other actor, he’ll be portrayed as a monkey.
No, we’re not making this up.
In what is about to be the strangest biopics ever, the singer will seem as a CGI monkey, and the trick will probably be pulled off by actor Jonno Davies through movement seize know-how. Williams will present the voiceover and his singing voice.
The trailer has simply come out and has already gone viral, racking up greater than 6 million (and counting) views in a matter of hours.
“I’m Robbie Williams. I’m one of many greatest pop stars on this planet. However I’ve all the time seen myself rather less… advanced,” the singer explains through voiceover within the trailer.
Then… Effectively, test it out for your self:
In keeping with Paramount Footage, Higher Man is “based mostly on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and memorable resurgence of British pop famous person Robbie Williams, one of many best entertainers of all time. The movie is uniquely informed from Robbie’s perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, by to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all of the whereas confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can convey.”
Doesn’t clarify the monkey although.
Fortunately, a brand new featurette accompanying the teaser trailer has been launched, during which Williams and director Michael Gracey tackle the choice to have Williams’ life story be portrayed on the massive display by a monkey.
In keeping with Gracey, he requested Williams: “Should you had been an animal, how would you see your self? In your individual phrases, you seek advice from being dragged up on stage to carry out like a monkey. I instantly thought to painting you not as we see you, however as the way you see your self… Along with your voice and that monkey, I’m going to see you and relate to you in a method that’s going to be extra partaking than one more musical biopic.”
Truthful sufficient.
We don’t learn about you, however we’re intrigued.
Higher Man has performed on the Telluride and Toronto movie festivals, and the reception has to this point been constructive. The movie will probably be launched within the UK on Boxing Day and can start its wider European rollout firstly of subsequent 12 months.