The last few years have been especially fortuitous for music biopics, but recent months have seen a couple of major bombs. In May, Focus Features debuted theAmy WinehousebiopicBack to Blackin American theaters; the movie concluded its global run with just over $50 million, against a reported budget of $30 million. But a far more expensive music biopic is currently performing at a much lower level.Better Man, based on the life and career of pop-starRobbie Williams, only recently passed its first global box office milestone, and has nowaccomplished a rather unfortunate achievement; the film has recovered a tenth of its reported budget.
With just over $1 million domestically and $10 million from overseas markets,Better Manhasgenerated a little more than $11 million worldwide. Directed byMichael Gracey, the movie was produced ona reported budget of $110 million. Why so expensive, you might correctly ask. Well, that would probably be because themovie features Williams as a CGI chimpanzee, like the ones you’d see in the Planet of the Apes films. While thisadmittedly unique creative choicelikely escalated costs, the movie hasn’t exactly performed like a Planet of the Apes film.Better Manwas funded independently, and acquired by Paramount for $25 million.
Gracey made his directorial debut withThe Greatest Showman, a movie that wasn’t merely a box office hit - it grossed over $450 million worldwide - but also had a rather unique trajectory during its theatrical run. Released during the holidays, the movie delivered an uncommonly huge multiple; it grossed just $8 million in its domestic debut, and ultimately went on to generate nearly $175 million. ButBetter Manis witnessing no such luck, despiteexcellent reviews. The movie currently holds an 89% approval rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, and a slightly better 90% audience score.
‘Better Man’ Is Being Bested By Fellow Music Biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’
One of the possible reasons for its under-performance could be that Williams isn’t as recognizable in the U.S. as he is in Europe. But that wouldn’t explain its under-performance in several European territories. It will continue to be rolled out internationally in the coming weeks. Thelast few years have seen major music biopicssuch asBohemian Rhapsody($910 million worldwide),Elvis(over $280 million worldwide),Straight Outta Compton($201 million worldwide),Rocketman($195 million worldwide),Bob Marley: One Love($180 million worldwide), and more recently,A Complete Unknown(over $50 million worldwide). You can watchBetter Manin theaters, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Better Man
Directed by Michael Gracey, Better Man explores the life and career of singer Robbie Williams through his own eyes.
