Director Michael Gracey’s latest film, Better Man, transcends its eye-catching CGI monkey aspects to tell a profound love story. For the stars Raechelle Banno and Jonno Davies, magic truly unfolds when they dance.
Often referred to as “the movie with the singing chimpanzee,”Better Man chronicles the fascinating journey of British pop icon Robbie Williams. The film explores his ascent to stardom, from the highs and lows of the ’90s boyband Take That to his illustrious solo career. Although Williams serves as the focal point of this biopic, he is notably absent from much of the film’s runtime. Instead, Jonno Davies embodies the character of Robbie, participating in various physical expressions including viral dance numbers that he and co-star Banno remember as both memorable and intense.
Capturing Love: Jonno Davies and Raechelle Banno’s Connection
In a recent interview with The Mary Sue, the cast discussed a particularly intricate yacht scene, with Davies remarking that the choreography not only serves to entertain but also foreshadows developments in Robbie and Nicole’s relationship, portrayed by Banno. He explained, “There’s so much scene work that’s cut into that dance sequence, providing a clairvoyant vision into their future. The juxtaposition of their eventual struggles against the joy they share upon meeting creates a watch that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching.”
Davies praised Banno’s dedication to the choreography, noting that she never required a dance double for the demanding sequences. However, he humorously recalled a few mishaps during filming, especially when wearing a motion capture suit. “Looking back at the bruises Banno sustained and that time I accidentally head-butted her with the face cam, it’s remarkable how she maintained poise and grace throughout,” he laughed. “I take pride in how far we’ve come as actors through such physical challenges.”
Despite the physical comedy behind the scenes, on-screen chemistry between Robbie and Nicole was vital for conveying their romance accurately. The real-life couple endured a tumultuous relationship, making it essential for audiences to truly engage with their dynamic. This was particularly challenging considering that Robbie is depicted as a literal ape in the film. Nevertheless, with the assistance of CGI, Davies and Banno successfully delivered a heartfelt performance that left Banno “swept away” by the emotional depth of the final cut.
“It was our last week of filming in Australia, and there was a real joy on set that day. We’d finally made it, they’d built this yacht and we just got to play and sort of have these two people fall in love and I … there was a real sense of something that week while we were filming, but then to see all the layers that go into that, the sky, the stars, I didn’t think it could get any bigger in terms of its emotion and romance, and yet, there it all is. So I was really swept away.”
With iconic love songs like “No Regrets” and “Angels” throughout, it’s fitting that Better Man utilizes these melodies during the pivotal meet-cute scene. The chemistry between Robbie and Nicole ignites as they interact, showcasing a profoundly human moment amid the whimsical plot. Their respect for each other shines, elevating some of the film’s most touching moments. Any minor injuries endured by Banno while dancing seem trivial considering the beauty of the result.
Better Man is now showing in theaters around the globe.
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