Avicii's passing was a global tragedy, mirroring the impact of his music. He seamlessly blended diverse genres and collaborators into his melodic EDM sound, producing innovative, chart-topping anthems like "Wake Me Up!" and "Hey Brother."
Netflix will premiere "Avicii — My Last Show," a short concert film documenting his final performance, and "Avicii — I'm Tim," a full-length documentary, on Tuesday. These films celebrate the life and artistry of Tim Bergling, exploring his formative years, his distinctive musical talent, his relentless pursuit of innovation, and the profound impact he had on those around him.
Remarkably, Avicii's own voice narrates much of the documentary, drawn from archival interviews and previously unreleased material.
Director Henrik Burman, in an interview with The Associated Press, revealed that capturing Avicii's life and career was a complex endeavor. The project spanned half a decade, commencing before the pandemic and shortly after the DJ's death. Burman conducted numerous extensive interviews, emphasizing that understanding Avicii required understanding the people in his life.
Burman discussed Avicii's life, career, and legacy with the AP. The following interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
How did you approach this project?
BURMAN: From the outset, I was determined to find my own narrative, my unique story about Tim. Time was of the essence. I envisioned a project without time constraints, a deliberate and meticulous process. Extensive research was crucial. I wanted to give those close to Tim the space and time they needed, allowing them to understand my vision and the story I wanted to tell.
The film's structure is captivating; it centers on Avicii's life and his genre-bending music, avoiding the typical "EDM was huge in the 2010s" narrative. The depth of research is evident.
BURMAN: I had access to a wealth of material. I was constantly searching for insights, spending countless hours reviewing interviews with Tim, looking for recurring themes and statements. It was like piecing together a puzzle. The research was extensive.
Sometimes, in the material, Tim would express his desire for certain elements to be included in a potential documentary about him. There's a childhood anecdote in the film where he recounts a period when he bullied others around the age of 6 or 7. He realized people disliked him and decided to change, ultimately regaining their acceptance. He emphasized the importance of this story, believing it revealed a significant aspect of his character.
I was seeking clues, stories, and insights. Early on, I decided to focus on the Miami Ultra Music Festival and its impact on Tim. It was a pivotal moment for both of us. Realizing this should be the centerpiece of my story gave me a strong foundation.
This childhood story also highlights his interest in creative transformation. How did you aim to capture his essence without focusing solely on his death?
BURMAN: It was challenging. From the beginning, I communicated my vision for the film. I sought the approval of his friends and family, which I received.
With their support, I could delve deeper, asking more profound questions and having more meaningful conversations. However, time was crucial. I wanted to approach this project with sensitivity and respect.
You even included footage of Tim in the womb! This film is far from an exploitative portrayal.
BURMAN: My goal was to create an intimate and personal story, avoiding speculation. Finding the right tone takes time. Starting the project just one and a half years after Tim's passing, I knew we needed ample time, especially for those close to him.
What is Avicii's legacy?
BURMAN: There are many ways to answer that. Musically, he was ahead of his time. His influence is evident in contemporary music production and hits. His music, even from a decade ago, sounds fresh, modern, and timeless.
What do you hope viewers gain from this film?
BURMAN: Someone commented that the film is deeply personal yet universal. I found that beautiful because life is complex and multifaceted. That's what I aimed to convey in Tim's story. I hope even his most devoted fans gain a fresh perspective on Tim Bergling, the person, and Avicii, the artist.
