I Am Hardwell

The 2013 documentary "I Am Hardwell" is a testament to the journey of Robert van de Corput, better known as DJ Hardwell, his rise from child prodigy to the number one DJ in the world, his drive, his determination and his electrifying performances, all captured through a lens providing an intimate and exclusive look into his life. This dynamic film is directed by existing collaborator Robin Piree who has been following Hardwell, the Dutch DJ, even before his explosion onto the global stage.

The film takes viewers on an exhilarating journey that tracks Hardwell's rise in the EDM scene from his humble beginnings in the Netherlands to becoming a headliner at the world's most prestigious music festivals. The documentary provides a chronological narrative of Hardwell's rapid ascension from a little-known DJ playing local clubs in his hometown of Breda, to EDM production phenomenon, attracting millions of fans worldwide, culminating in him being twice voted the Nr. 1 DJ of the world by DJ Mag in 2013 and 2014.

"I Am Hardwell" paints a picture of the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene in all of its pulsating, bass-heavy, strobe-lit glory. However, it does not shy away from going beyond the surface. The film underlines the creative pains and personal hurdles Hardwell had to overcome and conquer on his steadfast journey to the top. We experience the emotional reaction of his parents when he first played in front of a crowd of 50,000 people in Amsterdam's Heineken Music Hall, the highs and lows of his first world tour, the bumps and the lessons on the road, his process of making sure every minute of his set is perfect, and his drive to persistently innovate and remain relevant in a fast-paced industry.

While it, of course, features numerous electrifying performances from around the globe, what sets "I Am Hardwell" apart from other music documentaries is the extent to which it delves into the backstory and personal life of its titular character. It provides an intimate profile of the DJ himself, capturing Hardwell in candid, unscripted moments with his friends and family. The documentary is complimented by rare historic footage, behind-the-scenes material, and intimate, personal scenes providing an off-stage perspective on the life of a global superstar DJ.

The upbeat, fast-paced editing matches the mood of Hardwell's own music, creating a vivid, colorful world that feels as limitless and expansive as the tracks played in his sets. The documentary manages to strike a balance, showcasing the artist's magnetic stage presence and tireless dedication to his craft alongside the intimate personal moments with family and friends, the normalcy amidst the spectacular that defines his contemporary existence.

We get glimpses of Hardwell's interactions with his manager, his father, his childhood friends and highlights the role they have played in shaping the artist he is today. We watch Hardwell in recording studios, backstage before gigs, during downtime at home, and during his travels. This is juxtaposed with breathtaking concert footage from his sold-out shows around the world, making the documentary a fully immersive EDM experience.

Moreover, the film offers insight into the punishing schedule and intense work ethic of an industry heavyweight, and pieces together an image of a young man who, despite his extraordinary talent and rapid rise to stardom, remains grounded and possesses a deep-rooted love for music.

In conclusion, "I Am Hardwell" serves as an inspirational study of both the artist and the man behind the artist. A must-watch for any Hardwell fan or anyone interested in the exhilarating world of Electronic Dance Music, the documentary stands as a testament to talent, dedication, and an unmatched passion for music. Whether or not you are part of the electronic dance music community, this film opens the door to an inside look at the life, the grind, the shows, the music, the fans, the team, the family and the personal moments behind one of the biggest DJs in the world; making "I Am Hardwell" a compelling view and an unforgettable journey into the heart of the EDM phenomenon.