A Robbie Williams film, starring an actor from Blackburn, has been receiving rave reviews from critics.
Better Man, released on December 26, explores the life and career of singer Robbie Williams.
Blackburn’s Steve Pemberton depicts Robbie’s dad, Peter Williams, in the film.
In an interview with an online magazine, Steve said: “What I admire about Robbie is how open he’s been [in the film].”
“Probably he was an a***hole to a lot of people, by his own admission. He talks so openly about all the different things in his life, whether it’s the relationship with his father, the drugs, the depression. It’s all there in the film.”
The film has captured the attention of audiences as Robbie is depicted as a CGI-animated chimpanzee, reflecting his feelings of being “less evolved than other people”.
Steve Pemberton (Image: YouTube/Paramount Pictures) The film has received overwhelmingly positive reactions from reviewers.
It has received a 91 per cent rating on television and movie review site Rotten Tomatoes.
A review said: “Daring to substitute its marquee star with a VFX creation and somehow pulling it off, Better Man makes a monkey out of the traditional musical biopic to thrilling effect.”
Steve’s performance has also been praised in the film by casual viewers.
One person said: “Steve Pemberton is wonderful in Better Man. I think he’s our greatest character actor.”
“Steve Pemberton for best supporting actor for Better Man,” said another.
Another person said: “Please guys watch Better Man. And not only for Steve Pemberton who was excellent and has improved his vocal skills for sure. The best movie of this year.”
“Didn’t think I would rave about a Robbie Williams biopic,” said another.
“Better Man is really entertaining, hugely creative and surprisingly emotional. A wonderful performance from Steve Pemberton too.”
Last year Steve, best known for co-creating, co-writing and acting in the hugely popular The League of Gentlemen, received an honorary fellowship from the University of Central Lancashire.
The proud Lancastrian, who was raised in Chorley, also co-created and starred in dark comedies Inside No. 9 and Psychoville, both broadcast on the BBC.
Steve, who was recognised for his significant contribution to acting, writing and directing, took to the graduation stage on Friday, July 12.
The comedian, who gained laughs in his acceptance speech for delivering the line “the University of Central Lancashire is a local university for local people” in the character voice of Tubbs Tattsyrup, said: “For me to be here in Preston, coming to get honorary fellowship in my local university, makes me really proud.”