IN CONVERSATION WITH RAECHELLE BANNO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Australian actress Raechelle Banno is the female lead of Paramount’s highly anticipated musical biopic ‘Better Man’, based on the meteoric rise of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, garnering awards buzz since premiering at Telluride and TIFF. The film will be released in select theaters on 25th December, with a ride release on 17th January. 

We’ll be seeing you in ‘Better Man’, the musical biopic about the rise of Robbie Williams’ career. What can you share with us about the film and what can we expect from it?

‘Better Man’ tells the story of Robbie Williams. The film explores the rise, fall, and euphoric resurrection of one of the UK’s biggest ever pop stars. It’s told in a completely unique way, all thanks to our remarkable Director, ‘The Greatest Showman’s’ Michael Gracey. The film pulls no punches, and it’ll totally change how you experience a musical biopic from now on. Safe to say I’m pretty excited about it.

What drew you to the role of Nicole Appleton? How did you approach portraying such a complex, real-life figure

As soon as I read Nicole’s very first scene, I was drawn to her independence and effervescence. Up until we meet her in the film, Robbie finds himself in some pretty dark spaces mentally, so to be taking on the character that draws out the cheeky charm we know and love Robbie Williams for was a real treat. I think that’s what makes their story all the more tragic - these two kids who are so joyful with one another are then faced with some very grown up, heart-wrenching circumstances. There’s a pressure that comes with capturing the nuance involved in all of that, but between my own research of Nicole from the public domain and what Jonno Davies, Michael, and our writers Simon Gleeson and Oliver Cole brought to our preparation, we were able to dive in with a respectful intention of finding the truth of Nicole and Rob. 

Were you familiar with Robbie Williams and Nicole Appleton’s story before taking on the role, and how did you balance the magical, fantastical elements of the film with the emotional depth of their relationship?

I was very aware of Robbie Williams and the general arc of his career as his music was, in many ways, the soundtrack to my childhood. However, I think I was young enough that the ins and outs of his personal and romantic life went right over my head. The film has provided me with a new perspective on the man behind the master, as well as giving me the opportunity to learn about Nicole Appleton and her impressive career. When it comes to balancing all the different tones of how we depict their relationship in the film, I appreciated very quickly in rehearsals that Michael is always chasing story first, regardless of whether we’re tackling a grounded emotional scene or a giant dance sequence. This meant Jonno and I could concentrate on Nicole and Rob’s journey first and foremost, because sometimes love feels like a spontaneous dance under the stars and other times it’s a mascara-smeared argument in your living room. The rest is movie magic.

‘Better Man’ has garnered buzz since its premieres at Telluride and TIFF. How does it feel to be part of a project that is already generating awards-season conversations?

I knew going into this project that nothing with the names Robbie Williams or Michael Gracey attached to it was going to enter the world quietly. But to have audiences around the world praising the work that an army of people put a lot of care and artistry into is something I couldn’t have predicted a few years ago. The fact that I have a part in this mammoth piece of work is a lot to process..

As someone playing a central role in Robbie Williams’ journey, how do you think this film speaks to broader themes about fame, love, and personal growth?

I am really proud of what Michael, Simon, and Oliver have managed to capture with Robbie’s personal journey. It’s a story audiences have maybe heard before, but it’s the way they’ve done it that really stands out. I think when you get to the end of the film, it’s undeniable that Robbie, and anyone for that matter, simply can’t cope with fame or love, given or received, without prioritising personal growth. It’s raw and unpleasant sometimes, but it’s such an uplifting message in what could have been a film that further distances the audience from the star being depicted.

As an actress in a musical biopic, how did you prepare for the musical aspects of your role? Do you have a personal connection to singing or performing music?

Dancing was my first creative love. I started when I was still in nappies. I’ve had a funny relationship with it personally, always saying I could dance rather that I was a dancer,hiding behind the distinction due to a perfectionist mindset. Shortly after getting the role, I met with Ashley Wallen, the immensely talented choreographer, in London to see whether my skill set and the requirements of the ‘She’s The One’ sequence were aligned. I was shown a video of Ash and his incredible assistant Jenny Griffin performing the routine and just assumed they’d want to have Jenny be my dance double, but it was never even suggested. Right from the outset, they threw me in, and up in the air, and we rehearsed for about three months straight. Everyone believed in it. The fact that it’s me up there on screen in ‘She’s The One’ is something I’m extremely proud of. 

What kind of roles or stories are you most drawn to as an actress? Does this experience influence the type of projects you want to pursue?

This is my very first film, so I think I’ve been spoiled in terms of the collaborative experience of filming and the role I was able to play. I love stories and characters that really have something to say. Moving forward, I want to continue to work with people who have a clear and surprising vision. Those sorts of creatives seem like they don’t waste time on unexciting characters or stories. I am so keen to learn and the only way I can do that is to surround myself with inspiring people.

What’s been your go-to way to relax or recharge after working on such an ambitious project?

For me, home is where I recharge. If I can spend time with loved ones, keep my plants alive, and experiment in creating my own work, I find I then have the foundations and energy I need to dive into these projects that can sweep you right off your feet.

What kind of projects and roles do you look forward to work on next in your career?

I hope I can take with me the lesson of pursuing projects and characters that scare me. I want to be challenged and dig into stories that live in the grey areas. That’s where the juiciness is.

Besides ‘Better Man’ soon coming out, what can you share with us about your other upcoming projects?

It’s been nearly three years since we made ‘Better Man’ and we’re at the beginning of a long road to bring it out into the world. Right now, I’m so focused on the celebration of its release. There’s a lot of people to celebrate. The reception so far has given me a huge amount of excitement for what might be around the corner. If a dream like this can come true, what could possibly be next?

TEAM CREDITS:
photography PIP BOURDILLON
styling HOLLY WHITE
hair DIANA MOAR
makeup INDIA EXCELL