How the Robbie Williams biopic can speak to us all

Robbie William's biopic film 'Better Man' hit the screen late 2024. Curiosity of Williams being represented by a chimp was communicated across all platforms; podcasts, social media and radio. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film tells the story of William's meteoric rise to fame, including the downfalls along the way.

When speaking of why he chose a chimp to represent him, he explained it's because 'he always felt less evolved than other people.' His chimp character isn't referred to by any other character in the film thus the chimp is depicted as Robbie's self perception and sense of self.

I was personally fascinated when this film landed due to the references I make in therapy when I talk about the exploration of self with clients. Usually when I bring the metaphorical chimp into the room it can be met with a few curious, unusual looks. However, once the Chimp Paradox is spoken about, clients can really see the parallels of how their chimp can help them understand and guide them through their journey of self.

Peters believed The portrayal of Robbie Williams as a CGI chimpanzee in the 2024 biopic Better Man is a striking and symbolic choice, which can be explored through the lens of The Chimp Paradox, a psychological framework developed by Dr. Steve Peters. This model, popularised in his book The Chimp Paradox, presents the idea that the brain is divided into two key parts: the "Human" (logical, rational) and the "Chimp" (emotional, impulsive). In the context of Williams’ life and persona, this duality offers an intriguing metaphor.

Williams himself has often described his inner turmoil and the public spectacle of his life as a kind of "performing monkey." His life, especially during the intense years of his fame, has been characterised by self-sabotage, emotional vulnerability, and a struggle with his public image. In the Chimp Paradox model, the "Chimp" aspect of the brain can lead to irrational decisions and heightened emotional reactions, often resulting in a sense of losing control or being overwhelmed by internal conflicts.

'Better Man' can help us explore the work of Dr Steve Peters

By using a chimpanzee to represent himself in Better Man, Williams not only embraces this chaotic, impulsive side of his personality but also highlights the dissonance between his inner emotional world (the "Chimp") and his rational self (the "Human"). Williams was often portrayed in the media as a cheeky, larger-than-life character, yet beneath the surface, he struggled with self-worth, addiction, and intense pressures.

When exploring a clients sense of self, Dr Peters work can be a great example of understanding communication, behaviour and feelings within ourselves. Gracey used the chimp as a creative vehicle to explore the vulnerability and contradictions of Williams' public and private life. The chimp represents the part of him that is driven by the emotional pull of fame and personal trauma, constantly reacting to external pressures and seeking affirmation. It’s a manifestation of the Chimp Paradox: the irrational, volatile force that Williams himself sometimes described as his "inner monkey."

I personally love talking through the work of Dr Steve Peters with clients. Whether they are pre teen, teenagers or adult clients, I believe we can learn a lot about ourselves when it comes to exploring our 'inner chimp,' it's triggers, when to nurture it, when to tell it to rest and when to speak to it with compassion. We all have an inner chimp ( which can feel really reassuring) but learning how to tune into our logic brain and how to communicate with our chimp can help us learn more about our self.

Learn more about the Chimp Paradox here: