Meet the man behind the monkey: Inside AACTA-nominated Robbie Williams biopic

The man behind the monkey in Michael Gracey’s newest creation, has dished on the musical biopic and what it was like to work on his biggest film role yet. FULL STORY.

Jonno Davies, who plays superstar Robbie Williams in Michael Gracey’s acclaimed movie Better Man, has dished on what it was like to work on his biggest role yet as excitement builds for Friday night’s AACTA Awards.

AACTA Industry Ambassadors look over preparations for the event. Jonno Davies from the UK who played Robbie Williams in BETTER MAN at HOTA. Picture Glenn Hampson

Davies will walk the HOTA red carpet alongside A-list stars including Russell Crowe and Williams with high hopes the musical – nominated for 16 awards – will strike gold on the Gold Coast.

Among the many nominations is one for Davies himself as ‘Best Lead Actor’.

Jonno Davies as “Robbie Williams" in Better Man from Paramount Pictures.

The English actor said he was thrilled to be on the Glitter Strip for the highly-anticipated event – and not just because of the recognition coming Better Man’s way.

“It’s my first time in Queensland, it’s great weather compared to back home. Just looking out of my hotel room and seeing waves, it’s great. And the coffee is so good here,” he said.

Better Man tells the story of Williams’ meteoric rise to stardom. The biographical musical was shot in Melbourne and sees the popular singer played by Davies, who appears as an anthropomorphic CGI chimpanzee.

“It’s from Rob’s own perspective, which is a literal performing monkey, and we go through the highs and lows of his life,” Mr Davies said.

“His battle with addiction, the relationships he has with his father, and the kind of strive for stardom that he had from your age, and how that can affect someone.”

Mr Davies revealed that during filming of his breakout role, he had to wear a special CGI suit in order to transform into the monkey in post production.

“It was very hot, I feel like the suit got darker and darker as filming went on – especially during the dancing parts,” he said.

“Playing the part of Robbie Williams, someone that I grew up idolising, I saw him in concert when I was nine years old, and to be telling it in such a unique way ... it was a real privilege for this to be the thing that brought me into the world as it were.”

Mr Davies said he enjoyed playing the role because he was able to get creative.

“I loved the fact that it was a big swing and doing something different, there have been so many musical biopics over the last five years and I think Michael’s [Gracey] idea of changing it up is something really refreshing,” he said.

“Being the person that gets to be that monkey meant that I could be really creative with what I did, I could really expand the range of Robbie’s character and just have a really good time playing with the role and playing with the dancing.”

AACTA Industry Ambassadors look over preparations for the event. Talijah Blackman-Corowa (Black Snow) with Jonno Davies who played Robbie Williams in BETTER MAN and Nina Oyama at HOTA. Picture Glenn Hampson

The film’s director, Michael Gracey – also well known for directing The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman – will speak about his work at HOTA on Thursday in one of a series of events in the AACTA festival, which runs from February 5-9.

Gracey will reveal how he brings stories to life through a unique blend of music, narrative, and visuals.

The Festival features hands-on workshops, exclusive screenings, special events and more.

EVENTS NOT TO MISS AT THE AACTA FESTIVAL

How to Make Gravy - Live in Concert

With Meg Washington, Brendan Maclean and special guests including Paul Kelly

Saturday February 8 @ 7pm

HOTA Outdoor Stage

In the Director’s Chair: Michael Gracey on Better Man

Discussions with director of The Greatest Showman and new hit musical biopic Better Man Michael Gracey.

Thursday February 6 @ 5.30pm

HOTA - Lakeside Room 1

Working Dog... It’s the Vibe

Longford Lyell award recipients Working Dog (comprising of Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy, Rob Sitch and Michael Hirsh), will be in conversation with Ed Kavalee (Have You Been Paying Attention).

Saturday February 8 @ 11am

HOTA - Lakeside Room

Cody Simpson - In Conversation

Exclusive one-on-one interview with Aussie musician and swimmer.

Sunday February 9 @ 10.30am

HOTA - Lakeside Room 1

AACTA Screen Careers Expo

Presented by Essential Screen Skills. Including information booths, education and employment booths and panels throughout the day

Saturday February 8

Inside the Marquee, HOTA

Meet the Creators: Boy Swallows Universe

Meet some of the creators of this year’s most AACTA-nominated production, Boy Swallows Universe.

Thursday February 6 @ 4.30pm

HOTA - Cinema 1

Australian Premiere - Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up

Family Screening

Saturday February 8 @ 9am

Warner Bros. Movie World

Dr George Miller In Conversation with the Philippou Brothers

Dr George Miller, the filmmaker behind Mad Max, Happy Feet, and Three Thousand Years of Longing in conversation with award-winning Danny and Michael Philippou, creators of Talk to Me and the upcoming Bring Her Back.

Saturday February 8 @ 10am

HOTA - Theatre 1

In Conversation with Oscar-winner Greig Fraser

Oscar-winning Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser, responsible for Dune, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Lion, The Batman, and most recently Dune Part Two, deconstructs scenes from his most iconic projects.

Saturday February 8 @ 12.30pm

HOTA - Theatre 1

Originally published as Meet the man behind the monkey: Inside AACTA-nominated Robbie Williams biopic