As I Am: The Life And times Of DJ AM

As I Am: The Life and Times of DJ AM is a poignant, emotionally charged documentary film that explores the life and career of celebrated disc jockey, DJ AM, aka Adam Michael Goldstein. Released in 2015, the movie offers an in-depth portrayal of Goldstein's rise to fame and his internal struggles, culminating in his untimely demise in 2009. Expertly directed by Kevin Kerslake, the film features enriching interviews and commentary from notable artists like A-Trak, Steve Aoki, and Niko Achtipes, among others.

The documentary is a comprehensive exploration of Goldstein's life, starting from his early days in Philadelphia. It presents an engaging mix of archival footage, interviews, never-before-seen family photos, illustrated sequences, and first-hand accounts by those who knew him best. As I Am successfully captures and presents the relevant associations, experiences, influences, and the milestones that shaped Goldstein's life and career.

Born to a troubled family with a history of substance abuse and domestic violence, Goldstein's life was far from perfect. Kerslake's direction traces Goldstein’s childhood and his journey to Los Angeles where he found his calling as a DJ. He faced his share of trials, grappling with obesity, drug addiction, and the troubles stemming from the world of fame.

However, Goldstein's indomitable spirit eventually led to his breakthrough as respected scratch DJ. His transformative effect on music is played up, and the film reveals how he blended traditional DJing with the emerging electronic music genre to carve out a distinct style. This experimentation catapulted DJ AM to international stardom, garnering him a celebrity status rarely afforded to a club DJ. He performed at high-profile clubs, private Hollywood events, and even for the Oscars' after-party.

As I Am does not limit the portrayal of Goldstein as merely DJ AM, the music genius, but also probes into his personal and emotional trajectory. The movie extensively discusses his battle with drug abuse, chronicling his descent into addiction, his public stints in rehab, up to his remarkable recovery.

A significant portion of the film is dedicated to unraveling the psychological and emotional implications of the fatal plane crash DJ AM tragically survived, only to fall back into the clutches of addiction. The incident, its aftermath, and its impact on Goldstein's life and career are thoughtfully dissected.

One of the strengths of As I Am is its success in providing candid insights into Goldstein's psyche. This is achieved through interviews with those closest to DJ AM, including fellow musicians and DJs, family members, and friends, all sharing intimate and original anecdotes about their experiences with DJ AM. Personal recordings and off-stage footage perfectly visually complements these insights. Adding to this depth are contributions by Travis Barker, one of the most influential drummers, and DJ AM's close friend, which reveal their shared determination for success in the brutally competitive music industry.

As I Am: The Life and Times of DJ AM is more than a conventional biography. It is a crafting of great sensibilities, drawing upon the contrasts of DJ AM's glamorous career and grim personal battles, of his mesmerizing success and devastating struggles. It dishes out the reality of Goldstein’s life without sugar-coating it, while successfully preserving the respect and reverence that he commands. It is a tribute to an individual whose influence extended far beyond his musical talents, reaching into realms of personal struggle, addiction, survival, and most importantly, the human spirit.

In a nutshell, As I Am: The Life and Times of DJ AM is a beautifully complex, multi-layered depiction of a versatile man who turned his personal and professional ceilings into floors. The documentary navigates the many layers of Goldstein's existence and DJ AM’s dominance in the music world with incisive yet sensitive treatment. It's a captivating portrait of an indivisible DJ AM and Adam Goldstein, etched out not just by his own experiences but also by the experiences of those who cherished him. While his meteoric rise to fame, subsequent struggles and early death capture the narrative center, the film is a deeply stirring exposition of Goldstein’s audacious spirit that inspires beyond the confines of his tragic tale. As I Am is a must-watch for anyone who values courage, music, and the strength of the human spirit.