Ayda Field 'didn't get' why Robbie Williams is a monkey in biopic Better Man

Check it out: Ayda Field expressed her confusion about why Robbie Williams is portrayed as a monkey in the biopic "Better Man."

What Have You Missed?

Ayda Field Williams shared the reasoning behind her husband Robbie Williams' decision to portray a monkey in his biopic, Better Man. However, she confessed that she didn't quite understand it at first.

In the upcoming movie about the singer's rise to fame, he appears with a CGI monkey head, which has left many viewers puzzled about the decision made by him and the filmmakers. However, Field clarified that this choice was intended to "dehumanize his character," and he mentioned that it adds an emotional depth to the film that will resonate with audiences.

She also shared the uncomfortable moment when Williams believed he was on the verge of being offered the main part in The Greatest Showman instead of Hugh Jackman.

Understanding The What, How, And Why

This week, the preview for the Robbie Williams biopic titled Better Man was unveiled by Paramount Pictures.

Robbie Williams' portrayal of a monkey in the trailer for his upcoming biopic has left many people puzzled this week. However, his wife, Ayda Field, has shared some insights on the matter during a recent appearance on Loose Women.

Field acknowledged that she initially struggled to understand it as well, but she guaranteed that watching the film Better Man would be a more emotional experience due to her husband being portrayed by a CGI monkey.

In Thursday's episode of the ITV1 show, she called the film "incredible," sharing her initial reaction: "When I first learned about the idea of the monkey, I was completely surprised. I read my son Beau Curious George at bedtime, so I wondered if it was something like that. At first, I didn’t understand it. Then, when director Michael Gracey showed me the storyboard, it all clicked, and I was impressed."

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Nonetheless, the other members of the Loose Women panel appeared perplexed and requested that Field elaborate on the reasoning behind it.

She explained that the idea revolves around Rob's self-perception and the way others perceive him. He feels like a performing monkey. According to him, he's stuck in a state of development because he joined a band at the age of 15, which he believes marks the point when fame halts personal growth.

"The reality is that while the world sees him in one light, he sees it in another. In the film, everyone else is human except for him, creating a distinct divide. As a performer, there's a unique kind of isolation; people often stop seeing you as an individual and start viewing you as something other than that. As a result, he navigates his life through an entirely different perspective."

Field mentioned that the experience was deeply moving: "What’s incredible about it is that you’re not just seeing Robbie Williams’ story, but also witnessing the transformation of a person who faces some very tough challenges. Rob described it as not being a musical, but rather an 'abusical.' It pulls no punches; it’s truthful and courageous. Everyone who watched the film with us was in tears."

There’s something about stripping away the humanity from his character that makes it feel both more fragile and more intense, and it’s truly stunning and emotional. It’s incredible how deeply you become drawn to this monkey.

In "Better Man," actor Jonno Davies layers his performance with Williams and a CGI monkey in the main role. The film explores the musician's struggle with addiction. Field mentioned that they have been transparent with Teddy, their oldest child among four, about the father's history.

Ayda Field assured that Better Man would be an emotional experience for the audience. (Variety via Getty Images)

She mentioned that they have never taken the time to sit Teddy down and explain to him that his father struggles with addiction, has used various drugs, and has been with many women.

"Sometimes, situations arise in our lives that lead us to have open conversations about her father's experiences and the challenges we've faced together as a couple. In our home, we value honesty, and Teddy understands that her dad struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, which is why he chooses to stay away from those substances. She's informed about his story in a way that's suitable for her age."

Robbie Williams' Cringe-worthy Showman Mix-Up

Robbie Williams believed that Michael Gracey was proposing a job opportunity to him. (Getty Images)

Michael Gracey gained fame for his work on the blockbuster musical movie The Greatest Showman, featuring Hugh Jackman. However, Field shared an uncomfortable tale about a mix-up involving Gracey and Williams.

Gracey is a friend of Field's, and Williams and Jackman get along well, so as the film was gearing up for production, Gracey requested a meeting with the singer.

Field shared how he had met with Williams and mentioned, "He's currently working on the script for The Greatest Showman. He believes this character truly needs someone exceptional. Rob was quick to respond with a 'yes' and is now just waiting to receive the official offer."

Gracey mentioned that Hugh Jackman is set to star in the role, but there's a possibility he might not. He also noted that Jackman is regarded as an incredible entertainer. Gracey wondered if Williams could reach out to Jackman and encourage him to take the part. Williams did just that, telling Hugh, "If you pass on this movie, you’re crazy! I’d grab the opportunity in a heartbeat!"

Loose Women is broadcast on ITV1 every weekday at 12:30 PM.