REVIEW: HUMILITY IN SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA MOVIE

Today, April 15, marks the worldwide digital release of Swedish House Mafia's documentary, Leave The World Behind: The Movie, and the accompanying 90-minute album, 'One Last Tour: A Live Soundtrack.' The two-disc compilation is a live recording of one of the trio’s final tour dates at the Masquerade Motel in Los Angeles. Director Christian Larson gives a glimpse of the pivotal and behind-the-scenes moments that served as catalysts in the band's decision to bring an end to SHM in order to salvage their brotherly bond. The film premiered at SXSW and subsequently hit the screens of select theaters internationally in over 20 countries.

The viewing of the film at SXSW last month in March, drew an audience that was the epitome of eclectic – a reporter from MTV Italy, die hard SHM fans, "What is electro house?" types, haters of the dance music renaissance, fellow Swedish DJ-producer act Rebecca & Fiona, and the LTWB director Cristian Larson amid a sea of faces. Mentioning the variety of characters that are part of the premiere is a snapshot of the impression SHM has made not only in the world of electronic dance music, but also in the lives of others. 

A key quality that sets this documentary apart from others is the level of humility displayed by Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "humility" as "the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people." It takes a great deal of strength and humility to allow the world to see your flaws – especially when your bragging rights include selling over 1,000,000 tickets worldwide in one week! Although the doc captures the positive synergy between SHM, it also shows some of the contention – although displayed only in body language or silence at times – within the group. Larson did an outstanding job of revealing the human side of the band. All too many times music enthusiasts (those outside of the industry) put producers and DJs on an unrealistic, demigod pedestal – they’re not allowed to feel insecure, they don’t ever get discouraged, and they live to party. Larson breaks down those misconceptions by featuring shots of the guys with their families (who doesn’t get all mushy at the sight of Steve’s interaction with this daughters?!) and Ingrosso's hoodie dilemma is completely relatable. 

LTWB also consists of a countdown to the band’s final gig of their "One Last Tour” – the largest worldwide electronic music tour in history – at the 2013 Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Larson and executive producer, Jonas Åkerlund, presents the viewer with an emotional and authentic peek into the lives of SHM in a raw and enthralling fashion. 

Leave The World Behind: The Movie is out now via iTunes along with One Last Tour: A Live Soundtrack. 

Words: Gabrielle Pharms