Exploring the delicate balance between the brilliance and vulnerability of Avicii, director Henrik Burman delves into the emotional depth of his upcoming documentary, Avicii – I’m Tim.
Scheduled for release on December 31st on Netflix, the film will coincide with Avicii – My Last Show, which revisits the night of his final performance at Ibiza’s Ushuaïa club. Tragically, less than two years later, the renowned DJ, known as Tim Bergling, took his own life.
Burman reveals that the project originated in 2019 as a concept for a TV documentary focusing on Avicii’s last album, Tim. The endeavor presented its own set of challenges, including the search for new footage of the late EDM icon and extensive research.
“Everyone in Tim’s circle had endured a challenging period, and each person coped in their own way—resulting in numerous lengthy discussions. Our team was committed to allowing the project the time it required, proceeding cautiously and deliberately,” Burman shared in a Netflix Q&A. “The editing process itself presented challenges, requiring us to embrace mistakes, revisions, and the quest for the story’s essence within a vast amount of material. It was crucial to find the right tone and make informed decisions.”
Avicii DJing at Ushuaïa Ibiza on August 28th, 2016, in what was ultimately his final performance.
Netflix
The acclaimed Swedish director embarked on a journey into Bergling’s world fueled by profound curiosity—not just about the widespread appeal of his music, but about the man himself. What began as an effort to demystify the seemingly untouchable “Avicii universe” evolved into a personal exploration of the human truths that influenced his artistry.
As Bergling’s life, creative aspirations, and public persona intertwined, Burman encountered both clarity and complexity.
“Upon commencing work on the film, my primary motivation was to establish a closeness to Tim as an individual, to uncover the essence I discerned in his music and comprehend its origins. Early on, I identified connections between his personal identity, artistic pursuits, and public perception. This formed the foundation of my narrative… Interweaving his life story with his artistic journey, while adopting a comprehensive approach to his career, proved to be a significant challenge that consistently drove me forward,” explained Burman.
A warmth and humor shone through, particularly in Bergling’s early years, surrounded by loved ones and the pure joy of creation. This juxtaposition of light and shadow set the stage for a nuanced depiction, capturing both the challenges and brilliance that defined his career.
“Upon reviewing the archival material, I was struck by the warmth and humor evident in Tim’s interactions with his team, friends, and family,” Burman recalled. “This warmth was especially prominent in his early years, before complexities arose. Even towards the end of his life, I witnessed immense passion. This newfound perspective laid a solid foundation, enabling me to navigate through the narrative while addressing the difficult aspects and challenges in Tim’s life. It was imperative to depict the intricate layers that characterized Tim’s existence. Despite the darkness in his struggles, there was also a significant light.”
Tim Bergling, the late EDM icon known as Avicii.
Netflix
Burman immersed himself in thousands of hours of private archives, recordings, interviews, and Avicii’s music to gain a visceral understanding of his journey. The documentary includes never-before-seen archival footage spanning every stage of his life, from childhood captured on family VHS tapes to candid moments from friends’ phones. Through these fragments, the aim is to offer viewers a deeper insight into who Bergling was, both as a person and an artist.
The film portrays an intimate portrait of Bergling while reflecting on something universal—the intricate and messy nature of life, where simplicity is rare and every story is multifaceted. It encourages fans to look beyond the Avicii persona and discover the vulnerable, human core beneath the music.
“A viewer aptly noted that ‘the film is specifically about Tim, yet also universally relatable.’ I found that sentiment beautiful. Life’s complexities defy simplicity; there are no easy answers, just layers of intricacy. That’s the essence I strive to capture in Tim’s story. I hope that dedicated fans will gain a fresh perspective on both Tim as an individual and Avicii as an artist. This documentary encapsulates a life!”
Watch the official trailer for Avicii – I’m Tim below.
Credit: edm.com
