Avicii: I'm Tim
A Timeless Tale of Talent and Turmoil
January 8, 2025
Avicii – I’m Tim is more than just a documentary about electronic dance music (EDM) star Avicii; it’s an intimate and heartbreaking exploration of Tim Bergling, the man behind the music. Director Henrik Burman weaves together hundreds of hours of personal footage, spanning Tim’s life from “the very first to the very last pic taken,” with insightful interviews from friends, family, and colleagues. The result is a raw and honest, if somewhat flawed, portrait of an artist grappling with fame, addiction, and the relentless pressures of the celebrity world.
From the outset, we’re drawn into Tim’s bubble through his own narration. “I was insecure as a young child, and I became a class clown,” he confesses, a relatable sentiment for many. We see him as a typical kid, singing along and even using a cassette recorder to listen to music, before discovering his true calling with FL Studio digital audio workstation software. As his childhood friend, Flip “Philgood” Akesson, recalls, Tim was “a typical computer nerd kid, gamer, geek” who found refuge in music creation.
The film vividly depicts Tim’s rapid ascent to fame as Avicii. His manager, Ash Pournouri, emerges as a key figure, recognizing Tim’s talent and pushing him to become “the biggest artist in the world, not just a deejay.” We witness the strategic marketing ploys, like the “Bromance” bus campaign at Ultra Music Festival, that catapulted Avicii to international recognition.
However, Avicii – I’m Tim doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of fame. Tim’s own words are haunting: “Everything went so fast from that point on.” He speaks of feeling “empty and unhappy on autopilot mode,” trapped by the expectations of his persona. “I didn’t like being a persona,” he admits. “I didn’t like having to be Avicii and then having to be Tim.”
The film movingly portrays Tim’s struggles with alcohol and painkillers, his attempts to find relief in spirituality, meditation, and therapy, and his desire to evolve beyond the DJ persona. This desire leads him to collaborate with diverse artists like Chris Martin of Coldplay, Jon Bon Jovi, Nile Rodgers, and country singer-songwriter Dan Tyminski, showcasing his creative ambition and his yearning to produce “timeless music.”
This artistic evolution culminates in a pivotal moment at Ultra Music Festival. Securing the headline slot, Avicii takes a risk by showcasing his new sound, a blend of electronic music with live instrumentation. The crowd, expecting more than a truncated traditional DJ set, reacts with confusion and even boos. This rejection deeply affects Tim, who feels misunderstood and criticized for trying to be true to his artistic vision.
But there’s a triumph that follows this setback. “Wake Me Up,” a collaboration with Aloe Blacc on vocals and Mike Einziger of rock band Incubus on guitar, becomes a global phenomenon. Fellow EDM star David Guetta perfectly captures the impact of this track, exclaiming, “Oh my god, that’s it, you’re taking over the world!” This bluegrass-infused dance anthem, born from Avicii’s desire to experiment and push boundaries, proves his ability to create truly “timeless music.”
As Tim’s struggles with physical and mental health intensify, the film reveals a heartbreaking turning point: an intervention staged by his family and friends. His father, Klas Bergling, emotionally describes the pain of seeing his son in such a state, but also the relief when Tim finally acknowledges he needs help. This intervention marks a period of introspection and healing for Tim, as he seeks to find balance and meaning in his life beyond the relentless demands of his career.
One of the film’s most striking elements is its use of Tim’s narration. He literally tells his own story from beyond the grave, offering a unique and deeply personal perspective. However, the film occasionally falters in its use of unidentified translators and voiceovers, making it difficult at times to attribute dialogue and narration. This lack of clarity can be disorienting for the viewer, especially when trying to follow the complexities of the narrative. Additionally, the film could have provided more clarity regarding Avicii’s record label affiliations. While we see involvement from Universal Music, Geffen Records, and Ash Pournouri’s own label, plus Sony Music, the connections between them aren’t fully explained, potentially leaving viewers unfamiliar with the music industry somewhat confused.
Tim’s journey ultimately takes a tragic turn. He embarks on a vacation trip to Muscat, Oman, seemingly seeking escape and solace, but tragically never returns. While the film doesn’t explicitly state the cause of death, my research revealed that Avicii died by suicide. This devastating revelation adds another layer of poignancy to the film’s exploration of fame, addiction, and the search for inner peace. His final lyrics become chilling premonitions, as in “SOS” where he seems to cry out for help, and “Ain’t a Thing” where he sings, “When the record’s on the final song and the parties will be long, long gone, and the pretenders and the hangers on can go find themselves another one.” These lines add a layer of gravity and foreshadowing to the film’s conclusion.
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Despite its imperfections, Avicii – I’m Tim is a powerful and moving film that resonates with audiences far beyond EDM fans. It’s a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of fame, a testament to the importance of vulnerability and authenticity, and a tribute to a talented artist who left us too soon. This is actually one of three films made about Avicii, including Avicii – True Stories, directed by Levan Tsikurishvili, and the concert film Avicii – My Last Show, also directed by Henrik Burman, which was released around the same time as this documentary. Taken together, these films offer a multifaceted portrait of a complex and gifted artist whose legacy continues to inspire. Avicii’s story serves as a stark reminder of the immense pressure and exploitation that artists and celebrities across all fields often face in the pursuit of their dreams. The film poignantly illustrates how the demands of a public life, coupled with the weight of fame, can tragically overshadow an individual’s well-being and ultimately lead to their demise. While talent and creativity may bring public adoration, they don’t necessarily equip an individual with the emotional and physical resilience needed to navigate the harsh realities of celebrity. As one of the film’s narrators reminds us, “To be truly honest, you have to be vulnerable because that’s truly how you make a difference.” Avicii, Tim Bergling, 1989-2018, undoubtedly made a difference, and his legacy continues to inspire.
— Rob Tonkin