You know, there were a series of recordings that I did with Robbie Williams that he referred to himself as a performing monkey.

But the more I thought about it, the more I was like, he's not just performing as a pop star.

He's sort of, you know, he's performing when he's with the kids, you know, in Stoke-on-Trent, and he's not as tough as them.

And I just love this idea of this little performing monkey, you know,

whose whole life is a performance.

Music Hello and welcome back to the director's cut, brought to you by the Directors Guild of America.

In this episode, the rise, fall, and resurgence of pop singer Robbie Williams is recounted, in director Michael Gracie's musical biopic, Better Man.

Narrated by Williams, the film follows the singer from childhood outcast to music sensation,

battling the demons of fame while finding his true voice as an artist.

Soaring to new heights, Williams reaches stardom but never feels truly evolved from his younger self.

In addition to Betterman, Gracie's other directorial credits include the feature film, The Greatest Showman,

the documentary, Pink, All I Know So Far, and episodes of The Playboy Club.

Following a screening of the film at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles,

Gracie spoke with director Jason Reitman about filming Better Man.

Listen on for their spoiler-filled conversation.

There is not a simple shot in this movie.

I love this movie.

I just watched it for the second time.

And I think it's absolutely extraordinary.

And I'm honored to be here.

Because for these DGM screenings,

you always ask a fellow director to do it.

...