Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

Underfire apparently did see this documentary but does not remember Clara Rockmore's name. Yes, Brian Wilson was annoying and rambled too long. Maybe a psychological study of excessive partying and drug abuse would make for another documentary on rock stars. Seeing Professor Theremin was richly rewarding to me. Clara Rockmore was wonderful to watch. Her mastery of the Theremin is amazing. It took me awhile to make up my mind but I purchased the DVD and I'm glad I did.

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.

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.

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 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".