Global Music Stars Who Haven’t Quite Hit The High Notes In America

A Robbie Williams biopic about hits U.S. theaters on Friday, but he's one of many musicians who are more successfully internationally than in the States.

American movie fans who’ve already seen the “A Complete Unknown” have a chance to check out another musician biopic this weekend, but the subject may not be as familiar as Bob Dylan.

“Better Man” is focused on the life and career of British singer Robbie Williams, who has been a global superstar since the early 1990s despite never gaining traction in the United States.

In fact, Williams’ 1997 hit, “Angels,” his best known song stateside, only reached No. 53 on the charts, while his biggest American chart success came from singing backup vocals on Take That’s No. 7 1995 hit, “Back For Good.”

Although the film is getting decent reviews, it may not make Williams recognizable in America. That’s partly because the film portrays him as a computer-generated ape.

As a result, Variety predicts the film will earn $2 million from only 1,200 venues, but many audience members may walk away at least singing “Angels,” which is featured prominently in the film.