Better Man filmmaker Michael Gracey knew it was time to shake up the musician biopic. The subgenre is often knocked for its formulaic, sanitized stories that preserve their subjects’ well-manicured reputations. And after spending six years developing Elton John’s biopic Rocketman only to be replaced by director Dexter Fletcher, the Australian had little desire to tell another performer’s life story ­— ­until he befriended U.K. pop sensation Robbie Williams, an inspiration for the 2017 smash hit musical The Greatest Showman, which he directed for Fox.

Williams regaled Gracey with evocative tales, and the English singer-songwriter eventually referred to viewing himself as a “performing monkey.” Inspiration struck, and the result is the refreshingly unconventional Better Man — which will open the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Jan. 2.

So, Hugh Jackman initiated Better Man somewhat?

Williams was his point of reference during Showman. He’d say, “I can be that charismatic entertainer.