Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (1994)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Steven M. Martin

Writer:

Steven M. Martin (writer)

Release Date:

24 August 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | History | Music

Tagline:

The Music He Created Was Strange. His Life Was Even Stranger.

Plot:

A documentary about the inventor of the first electronic synthesiser instrument and his subsequent life after he was abducted by the KGB as well as a history of his instrument.

Plot Keywords:

Theremin | Inventor | KGB | Kidnapping | New York City

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Leon Theremin	...	Himself - Inventor of the Theremin
Clara Rockmore	...	Herself - Theremin Virtuoso
Robert Moog	...	Himself - Inventor of the Moog Synthesizer
Nicolas Slonimsky	...	Himself - Composer and Historian
Paul Shure	...	Himself - Musician
Henry Solomonoff	...	Himself - Theremin Studio Member
Suki Bader	...	Herself - Theremin Dancer
Beryl Campbell	...	Herself - Theremin Dancer
Lydia Kavina	...	Herself - Theremin's Great Niece
Brian Wilson	...	Himself - Founder of The Beach Boys
Todd Rundgren	...	Himself - Musician and Producer
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
V.I. Lenin	...	Himself (archive footage) (as Lenin)

MPAA:

Rated PG for brief strong language.

Runtime:

83 min | 81 min (cut version)

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English | Russian

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Canada:PG | Australia:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Moscow, Russia

Company:

Kaga Bay

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): In the documentary, Bob Moog makes a statement to the effect that Stradivarius designed the first violin. "Stradivarius" is not a person but refers to a musical instrument, usually a violin, made by Antonio Stradivari and his family. The violin existed as an instrument for more than a century before the birth of Antonio Stradivari in 1644.

Movie Connections:

Features The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Soundtrack:

Lunette

Mix with "Better Living Through Circuitry" for a great double feature

I was transfixed by this story -- but the film makers decision to subtitle only the Russian words on Professor Theramin's interview was maddening. Did they think *anyone* would be able to understand him?

Then, to add insult to injury, I remember seeing subtitles in the DVD menu -- but not in English!

Anyway, I *do* agree with the film-makers decision to de-emphasize the sci-fi connection with the Theramin. I wish the theramin was played by more artists like Clara Rockmore; it is a real instrument, not just the answer to a trivia question.

I'd recommend seeing it, though -- the man and his time are fascinating. A great time-warp double feature: this and 'Better Living Through Circuitry".