Avicii: True Stories

Avicii: True Stories is a compelling documentary film from 2017 that provides an intimate and raw glimpse into the life and career of one of the most renowned electronic dance music (EDM) artists around the globe, Tim Bergling, known universally under his stage-name, Avicii. Directed and written by Levan Tsikurishvili, Avicii: True Stories provides an all-access pass into Avicii's music life, personal struggles, and the intense pace of fame that eventually led to a dramatic decision.

Right from his breakthrough in 2008, the sensation of Avicii's music gripped the world, becoming symbolic of the rise of EDM. This film showcases the journey of building that sensation, its peak, and the consequent downfall. It encapsulates a period of five years of the revered musician's life, from his rapid rise to fame through to 2016.

The film commences with the early career of the young Swede, charting his incredible reach from uploading tracks to the Internet from the comfort of his parents’ home in Stockholm, to performing in front of massive crowds internationally. Amidst the fame, viewers are offered a peek into the darker side of the music industry, including an unending cycle of sleepless nights, long flights, loneliness, and the expectations of relentless touring.

Featuring interviews with fellow artists like David Guetta, Nile Rodgers, and Chris Martin, among others, Avicii: True Stories also offers an erudite perspective on the EDM scene. Viewers get an insight into not just Avicii's personal life, but also his professional one, highlighting how the music industry as a whole has adapted and evolved in response to the throbbing beat of EDM, an industry which often exacts a hefty price for fame.

Tim Bergling, despite his global recognition, was an introverted person who didn't quite fit the stereotypical image of a globe-trotting superstar DJ. The film extensively covers Avicii's personal journey, disclosing the human being behind the famous face, thus humanizing an otherwise unapproachable celebrity.

Salem Al Fakir, a Swedish musician and songwriter who collaborated with Avicii on several occasions, also features in the documentary, discussing his experiences and observations of Avicii’s highs and lows. Johan Bjerkelund, another key artist involved in his journey, contributes his unique perspective on Avicii’s story.

One crucial aspect that arises through the narrative of True Stories is Avicii’s health issues. The dangers and impact of such an intense lifestyle become apparent when Avicii's physical and mental health starts to deteriorate, and his struggle to cope is handled with tender honesty. The film delves into deep and dark territories surrounding the artist’s wellbeing, revealing how the endless pressure and the unforgiving pace of the industry led to his suffering.

A pivotal moment in this feature is Avicii’s shocking decision to retire from live shows, a remarkable event that shook the music world. The film documents this consequential decision, leading the audience to the bitter realities endured by music artists behind the scenes.

The director, Tsikurishvili, was a close friend of Bergling. Using his proximity to the subject, he managed to capture various candid and personal moments of Avicii's life. His film is a visceral journey through the experiences of an extraordinarily talented man who lived for his art but was tragically ensnared by the pressures of an unforgiving industry.

Avicii: True Stories is a memorable journey through a beloved artist's life, painting a portrait of Avicii that is tragic, enthralling, thought-provoking, and honest all at the same time. This documentary serves as a sobering reminder of the grueling life of fame, the vulnerability of artists, and the real-life consequences of a world obsessed with relentless productivity.

With an emotionally charged narrative and hauntingly beautiful music, the film is designed to leave lasting impressions on not just Avicii’s fans, but indeed anyone who desires to understand more about the true cost of living in the spotlight. Avicii: True Stories stands as a poignant testament to the life of an extraordinary artist and a young man who dared to dance to his own tune in a world that wasn’t quite ready to listen.