Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

Hal Willner Director: Steven M. Martin Steven M. Martin

Overview

Anyone who has ever seen a horror or science fiction film from the 50s, or heard "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys, has heard a theremin, which was one of the first workable electronic musical instruments. But Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey is more than just the story of a novel noise-making gadget; it's the remarkable tale of Leon Theremin, a electronics wizard whose journey from Russia to America and back again sounds like the stuff of a spy novel -- and it's all true. The strange and fascinating story of Theremin's life is accompanied by newsreel footage of Theremin's career and accomplishments, and interviews with colleagues and musicians discussing the instrument which bears his name, including Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson and Clara Rockmore, who is widely recognized as the instrument's most gifted interpreter (and also Theremin's girlfriend).

Product Details

Release Date:	10/14/2014
UPC:	0883904304654
Original Release:	1993
Rating:	PG
Source:	Mgm Mod
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	1:22:00
Sales rank:	29,854

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Technical Credits

Steven M. Martin

Steven M. Martin

Director,Screenwriter,Producer

Editorial Reviews

Though the facts of Leon Theremin's life merit this feature film, director Steven M. Martin chooses to focus on Theremin's eponymous invention, a strange musical instrument which predated the synthesizer in the field of electronic sound. That skews the film toward Theremin as a contributor to the arts and away from his advancements in electronic surveillance and eavesdropping. It also gives Martin a chance to structure part of his film around a reunion of Theremin and his most famous pupil, Clara Rockmore, who almost steals the show from her aging mentor. (He died before the film was released; Rockmore died in 2001.) Bringing electronic music pioneer Robert Moog, plus rock musicians Brian Wilson and Todd Rundgren, into the mix also provides ingratiating touches, but the film never feels like it's dumbing down its subject. Martin is a true proselytizer for Theremin's place in history, and the film makes its case in a wholly convincing and entertaining fashion.