Levels of Genius: A Review of ‘I'm Tim’ on Netflix Documentary

I'm Tim’ is a poignant documentary that premiered on Netflix, offering an intimate look into the life of the late Swedish DJ and producer, Tim Bergling, known worldwide as Avicii. Directed by Henrik Burman, this film chronicles Avicii's journey from an introverted boy in Stockholm to becoming one of the most influential figures in electronic dance music, with a tragic end that left fans and the music world in mourning.

Content and Structure

Early Life and Rise to Fame: The documentary starts with Avicii's childhood, his early passion for music, and his rapid ascent in the EDM scene. It uses a wealth of archival footage, home movies, and interviews to paint a vivid picture of his transformation into a music icon. The narrative is uniquely narrated by Avicii himself through previously unreleased interviews, providing a personal touch to his story.

Career Highlights: Key moments like his performances at Ultra Music Festival 2013 are explored with depth, showing both the triumphs and the pressures of his career. The detailed look at Ultra 2013 was a highlight for me, and I loved that it didn't just rehash what we saw in "True Stories" but offered fresh perspectives. The documentary also highlights his creative process in making hits like "Wake Me Up" and "Levels," offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at his genius.

Personal Struggles: "I'm Tim" doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of his life. It delves into Avicii's battles with mental health, addiction, and the toll of fame. The film discusses his decision to stop touring in 2016, his health issues, including pancreatitis, and his struggle with alcohol and drug dependency. Comparing it directly to "True Stories" is tricky since this one was made posthumously, and there's been significant time since then. I did wish, though, that it had delved more into his passing, touching on mental health issues, and covered the period from Ushuaïa up to his death.

The Final Chapter: While the documentary does touch on his suicide, some viewers and critics feel it could have spent more time on this aspect, particularly in relation to the broader conversation about mental health in the music industry.

Critical Reception

Praise: Many reviewers appreciate the documentary for its heartfelt storytelling and for giving a voice to Avicii posthumously. It's seen as a respectful tribute that balances his public persona with his private self. The archival material is noted as a highlight, providing an authentic look into Avicii's life. The documentary does a fantastic job tracing Tim's journey from a bedroom producer to a global DJ sensation. The portrayal of his relationship with his manager, Ash Pournouri, is also discussed as offering a different perspective compared to the earlier documentary, "True Stories". It was also interesting to see a different portrayal of Ash Pournouri compared to the earlier doc.

Critiques: Some critique the documentary for feeling somewhat rushed, perhaps due to its runtime being shorter than the version shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. At times, the film felt a bit rushed, squeezing a lot into just 90 minutes. I've heard the Tribeca premiere was 125 minutes long, which is super disappointing - here's hoping for a director's cut! There's a noted desire for more exploration of the time between his last show at Ushuaïa and his death. Additionally, the handling of his mental health and the industry's role in his life has been seen by some as not going deep enough.

Audience Reaction: On platforms like X, the sentiment is mixed but leans positive. Just watched the new Avicii documentary on Netflix, and I've got to say, it's a solid 8 out of 10. Fans have expressed emotional responses, appreciating the documentary's tribute to Avicii's legacy while also mourning his loss. Some have highlighted the documentary's role in shedding light on the harsh realities of fame and the music industry.

Additional Elements

Companion Content: Alongside the documentary, Netflix released "Avicii: My Last Show," featuring his final live performance at Ushuaïa, Ibiza. The 30-minute short on the Ushuaïa finale was excellent, almost like an extension of the documentary. However, it's frustrating knowing there's more footage out there from the full show that hasn't been released yet. Even just the audio would be amazing to hear. This has been well-received as a fitting companion to the documentary, though there's a call for more complete releases of footage from this show.

Conclusion

‍"I'm Tim" serves as a loving, if somewhat incomplete, portrait of Avicii, capturing his musical innovation, his personal struggles, and his indelible impact on music. While it might not satisfy everyone's desire for a complete narrative of his life and death, it stands as a significant piece of work for understanding the complexities behind one of EDM's brightest stars. I've been told the book is a must-read, which I still need to get around to, and I'm keen to visit the Avicii tribute museum in Stockholm where DA has a quote featured. Definitely watch both the documentary and the Ushuaïa short film.

On a personal note, the last time that I saw Avicii was on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2011 in Anaheim, California. I feel like part of Tim lives on in his very dear friend and, once protégé, Mr. Martin Garrix. God Bless You - Tim Bergling.