Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

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

While this is not the most exciting documentary you will ever see it does put the focus on an instrument that is unlike any other. This is not a woodwind or percussion, but something altogether different, reacting to the electromagnetic forces of the human body! Those who know what a theremin is know it has strong connotations with science fiction, and has even made its way into some modern music. I had no idea that a theremin was in "Good Vibrations", though the sound is evident. Hearing Brian Wilson ramble is priceless, and we also get quite a bit from Robert Moog, who may be even more famous than Theremin himself.

This is a superlative documentary on the life and achievements of Leon Theremin, a Russian scientist and musician who invented the world's first electronic musical instrument. It follows his life, career, and contributions from 1928, through his kidnapping by Stalinist agents in 1938, years of exile and service to the Soviet state (he also invented the surveillance bug, for which he received highest commendations and relative freedom), to his triumphant and happy return to America at the spry age of 95. Equal time is given to explore his personal and professional life with warmly candid interviews of those closest to him, his colleagues, and such electronic music luminaries such as Robert Moog. The film endearingly arouses interest in its subject, and shows just how prevalent Theremin's influence was in classical music, Hollywood movie soundtracks, and Rock'n'Roll. The interview sequence with wacked-out, wired Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys is real hoot and is worth the price of admission (or video rental) alone. Don't miss this one.

I owe my watching this documentary to my strange daughter. Now I do not mean this in a bad way--I come from a family of strange people and the fact that she KNEW what a theremin was surprised me, as I sure didn't. Apparently a theremin is a magnificent electronic musical instrument created in the early part of the 20th century by Dr. Theremin--a genius who had immigrated to the US around the time of the Russian Revolution. This film, then, is about the instrument and its inventor--and it makes for a slow but very interesting story worth seeing even if you are not a musician. I am certainly not one, but I found myself marveling at the beautiful and other-worldly sound of this machine. In fact, we have all heard the theremin before--most often in sci-fi movies but even in other places such as the Beach Boys' song "Good Vibrations". And, speaking of this, seeing Brian Wilson interviewed was pretty bizarre, as he looked pretty good but the more he talked the more you realized that he still is quite mentally ill.

Anyway, there is MUCH more to the story in regards to Dr. Theremin--much more, but I don't want to say more because it would spoil this wonderful film. His life, put simply, is MUCH stranger than fiction! I give the documentary very high marks for all the effort it took to construct--with trips to Moscow, locating the Doctor, arranging for interviews, etc.. Clearly this was a labor of love and I appreciate this. The only reason i don't rate this even higher is that it is a bit dry in places and although it kept my interest, I have a much larger capacity than normal for this sort of thing...and the average person might just find their mind wandering. Still, it's fascinating and I strongly recommend you try it.

In the 20's and 30's, Russian emigrant Leonard "Leon" Theremin surprised the world with his musical invention, the theremin, and electronic musical instrument. He lived in New York, with members of high society, including Einstein and Clara Rockmore, among his friends. He married an Afro-American dancer Lavinia Williams, what it was uncommon at that time. He gave concerts, including in the Carnegie Hall, with his instrument. However, in 1938, he disappeared and later discovered that he was kidnapped by KGB Agents. He was sent to a Gulag labor camp and when he was released, he worked for KGB. When his friends find him in Russia, he returns to United States to meet his Clara Rockwood and his former friends before his death in 1993, in Moscow.

"Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey" (1993) is a documentary by Steven M. Martin about the life of the father of the electronic music, Leon Theramin. It is an amazing documentary, showing footages of Theramin since the 20's; his influence in the sci-fi movies from the 50's and in Robert Moog, the inventor of the Moog Synthetizer used mainly by progressive bands in the 70's. There is the important statement of Clara Rockwood, including in her eighteenth birthday party and a virtuoso in Theremin. Never released in Brazil, the DVD released by MGM Home Entertainment is shameful, indicating subtitles in Spanish and cc that do not exist. Only subtitles in French are available in this DVD. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available.

Fascinating story. Well-done film. I had never heard of Theremin, although of course I had heard the sound of the instrument in movies and in Good Vibrations. The film documented a piece of musical history and an unusual life story while many of the principle players were still alive to participate.

It is not only a story about music, but also about the reach of the Soviet Union into the U.S. It is amazing that this story has not received more attention in the past. In the process of telling about Theremin's life, the film gives a glimpse into the lives of other artists who were associated with him in New York and of his influence on contemporary music.