Robbie Williams hopes ‘Higher Man’ movie will assist viewers heal | Hollywood

LONDON, – British singer-songwriter Robbie Williams’ turbulent life story served as inspiration for the musical film “Higher Man”, during which the pop star is portrayed as a CGI monkey.

The semi-autobiographical drama follows Williams’ journey from childhood to world stardom. The “Angels” and “Rock DJ” musician, whose greatest hits are included within the film, lends his voice to the principle character.

Attending the movie’s premiere in London on Wednesday, Williams, who was additionally the topic of a Netflix documentary final yr, stated sharing his story got here straightforward.

“I by no means cease opening up about my previous. It is how I socialise. You inform me about your childhood trauma, I inform you about my childhood trauma, and we get alongside. It is par for the course for me,” Williams, who turned 50 in February, stated.

“Music heals, leisure heals. And I hope that not directly this movie is a therapeutic course of for folks. I do know it is a lofty ambition and a few folks at house could possibly be going ‘ugh, okay, in fact’ however I imply it.”

“Higher Man” sees a teenage Williams becoming a member of the 90s boy band Take That, his substance abuse and differing views resulting in him leaving the group and launching a profitable solo profession, whereas crippled by despair and habit.

It additionally depicts the highs and lows of his relationship with All Saints singer Nicole Appleton and the feuds with Take That is Gary Barlow and Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher.

Directed and co-written by “The Best Showman” filmmaker Michael Gracey, “Higher Man” was born out of a sequence of casual interviews in Williams’ recording studio not initially meant for a film.

The concept for the film’s uncommon strategy got here naturally, Gracey stated. The CGI monkey model of Williams is performed by actor Jonno Davies, who wore a efficiency seize go well with all through the shoot.

“For somebody who sees themselves as a performing monkey, it made quite a lot of sense,” stated Gracey. “I believe you see extra of Robbie within the monkey. I believe you will have extra empathy for the monkey and I believe creatively it makes it actually compelling.”

Williams, who launched a brand new music from the movie’s soundtrack titled “Forbidden Highway” final week and can embark on a UK and European tour in 2025, teased extra new music was on the best way.

“New music is popping out, relying on how nicely this movie does. If the movie does very well, sooner, if it does not, later.”

“Higher Man” begins its world cinematic rollout on Dec. 25.

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