Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

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.

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.

"The Theremin" (which was appropriately named after its inventor, Leon Theremin) is, in fact, the only non-contact musical instrument in existence.

(That's right! It's actually played without being touched)

If you have ever seen such Hollywood movies as 1945's "Spellbound" and 1950's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" - Then - You would have definitely heard the eerie, electronic sounds of the Theremin which had been carefully weaved in throughout these film's soundtracks.

Through stills, archival footage, and interviews - This often-intriguing bio-documentary (from 1993) takes a close-up look (thanks to Leon Theremin's unique instrument) at the very roots of electronic music, long before the invention of the synthesizer.

*Note* - In 1993 - Leon Theremin (97 at the time) died of natural causes.

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.

I own one of Bob Moog's theremins, and it's the most difficult instrument that I've ever tried to learn to play. This film is a great overview of the instrument, the man that invented it, and the artists who have mastered it. I, too, was glad that the film downplayed the sci-fi gimmicky aspect of the instrument, but that is also an important part of its history. The best use in a film is probably The Day The Earth Stood Still.

Many of the people in the film have since become deceased, so this is a great historical record of Mr. Theremin and Ms. Rockmore. I only wish that I could come close to her artistry with the instrument.

Various companies build and sell theremins, the most popular among them being the late Bob Moog's Big Briar.