Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (1993) User Reviews

an unexpectedly absorbing documentary!

[standardmetal · 7/10 · 29 October 2006]

The theremin is one of the first electronic musical instruments invented and I can't say I was ever crazy about it. I always thought of it as something used to add an eerie quality to certain psychological films like Hitchcock's "Spellbound" or science-fiction films such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still".

As it turned out, the theremin had an enormous influence on the later history of electronic music.

Named after its creator Léon Theramin (Lev Sergievich Terman), it was treated by others as a serious musical instrument especially when played by its greatest exponent, Clara Rockmore, She, as a matter of fact, happened to be the sister of my last piano teacher, Nadia Reisenberg, who often accompanied her but I knew nothing about this during my piano studies.

One of the problems with this documentary would have been very simple to remedy: it is usually impossible to know who is being shown without a caption though that could usually be worked out by the context. In the case of Clara Rockmore, there was a family resemblance and Nicolas Slonimsky had a familiar face. But another problem has been mentioned often enough: the aged Theremin's speech in the English language is incomprehensible and should have been subtitled (Only when he spoke Russian were subtitles included.). In fact, an English subtitles option would have been very welcome throughout.

I also think, in view of various questions which have come up, that the "abduction" of Theremin from the United States in 1938 seems too much of a whitewash. In view of his invention of a bugging device which was used for espionage against the United States, one wonders where the real allegiance of the inventor lay.

It was thought, for many years, that Theremin had been executed by the Soviet government but in a real "believe it or not" story, he turned up late in life and eventually went back to the U.S. for a time. His unexpected reunion with Rockmore made for a very touching ending for the documentary.

Another not very user-friendly DVD and, I would hope if it is ever reissued, that these problems could be remedied.

An Interesting, But Bumpy, Electronic Odyssey...

[underfire35 · 6/10 · 18 January 2004]

THEREMIN: AN ELECTRONIC ODYSSEY is a documentary on both the Theremin, the instrument, and Prof. Leon Theremin, the inventor. The film follows both through a strange sequence of events and interweaves these stories with those influenced by the machine and the man. Some of the interviewees include Clara Rockman, a virtuoso Theremin player, and one time love of Prof. Theremin. Robert Moog, who went on to create the massive Moog synth--and it turns out, who started out by building Theremins himself. Nicolas Slonimsky, a composer who studied the work of Prof. Theremin. And Brian Wilson, which brings me to my first problem with the film: Even though Wilson is amusing with his burned out rambling, his interview goes on far to long and adds little to the flow of the story. I can see why the director, Steven M. Martin, wanted to use this footage, however it is obvious that Wilson can neither play the instrument nor knew what one was until Phil Spector brought it to him. I would have much rather seen more about Bernard Herrmann's score for THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, which, sadly, has not had the lasting impact of "Good Vibrations". Anyway...

Well it turns out that at one point midway through his life, Prof. Theremin was kidnapped by the KGB and brought back to Russia. Second problem: those shadowy years are explained by Theremin himself, however being in his mid-nineties and speaking broken English. It is very hard to tell what happened and when, although some other sources flesh it out to a certain degree. Subtitles or a better microphone would have helped. He apparently was involved with electronic listening devices and received an award from Lenin himself. Heady stuff for a single man's journey through life. Although, the film remains too aloof to capture the whole scope of Theremin's story.

That is not to say that the film does not have some great moments. The scenes of the elderly Russian inventor wandering, alone, through the busy streets of an urban sprawl are haunting and sad. And simply to witness Rockman performing on the instrument is incredible, the way the smallest movement to her fingers creates an unique sound. I was familiar with the story before I saw the film, but it did not shed much light on the questions I had. It is a good film for someone who has never even heard of the Theremin before, but I felt it fell short of it's promise of really delving deep into the story and casting light on corners that will more than likely remain shrouded with gloom. 6/10.

A movie on my own wavelength

[take2docs · 8/10 · 2 October 2020]

"This Room Is My Castle Of Quiet." I remember listening to this quaint tune as a young lad and immediately being taken with the lead instrument and its otherworldly sound. I would later go onto learn of the instrument being eponymous: named after Lev Sergeivich Termen, a Russian inventor. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, for a time I would answer a Thereminist. Back in high school, my music teacher gave me a puzzled look when I told her my choice of instrument was neither a tuba nor a trombone but a Theremin. Unfortunately, she had none around to offer me. Naturally, THEREMIN: AN ELECTRONIC ODYSSEY would appeal to me, as I consider this one of the most underrated musical instruments of all time.

Many folks are undoubtedly unaware that an instrument such as this even exists, or should I say existed. Whereas others might not regard it as a legitimate instrument, what with it being electronic and all, as if that somehow disqualifies it according to some made-up, arbitrary criterion. If pots and pans can be used to make music in the case of skiffle, surely an object such as this can as well -- a wooden cabinet, resembling a lectern, made up of metal rods and other technical parts, and requiring of its user a certain technique to master it.

As the refined Clara Rockmore had demonstrated, the Theremin is not a toy but a serious piece of equipment, that can be used not only experimentally or whimsically, but for performing melodious concertos and other pieces designed for attentive, introspective listening. At one time, a group of Thereminists even performed at Carnegie Hall. Although the Theremin is often associated with woo-woo and was mostly used in the '50s to score B-pictures having to do with flying saucers, Ms. Rockmore had used it in a more sophisticated manner, using it to play Bach and other Classical compositions.

The documentary is, like the avant-garde Theremin itself, for acquired tastes. Some do not care for its spacey, plaintive sounds and would likely not be at all interested in knowing how the instrument is operated (how one hand controls the volume; the other, the pitch). For other viewers, say those fond of vibrato and pitch bending, and who consider the instrument to be dulcet & dreamy and speaking to their souls (a la the sine wave), the film is a real treat.

Termen is shown here at 94, as a frail and somewhat incoherent mumbler, and that's where the English subtitles come in. What Termen has to say about his then mysterious disappearance, which occurred back in the 1920s, when he was abducted from his studio while living in NYC, is most intriguing.

THEREMIN: AN ELECTRONIC ODYSSEY also includes several cinematic clips of movie scenes where the Theremin can be heard for dramatic effect, usually as a sound accompanying moments of character disorientation or surrealism. The best of these has Jerry Lewis discovering the curious instrument in "The Delicate Delinquent" and amusingly breaking out into song. Yes, one can sing along with the Theremin, just as there were Theremin dancers back in the day.

Interesting film

[rag-23 · 10/10 · 20 November 2006]

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.

Interesting and unique story

[poppy9usa · 9/10 · 11 September 2004]

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.

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

[frankimbur · 21 February 2004]

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".

Good

[Cosmoeticadotcom · 7/10 · 1 February 2013]

While not a landmark in documentary filmmaking, Steven M. Martin's 1993 documentary, Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey, is almost the documentary Kijack's is, as it has a far worthier subject- electronic musical pioneer and inventor Leon Theremin, but a bit more scattershot execution, cinematically. The 83 minute long film mixes traditional biography of Theremin's life, his loves (marrying a black ballet dancer in the 1930s), his political persecution in the Stalin era Soviet Union, details on the history, construction, and musical influence of the theremin, and a summary of it all.

The film features interviews with Todd Rungren, Robert Moog, who discourses on Theremin's role in electronic music, his own influential career, and has a number of lesser known talking heads, and one transcendently silly interview with a literally batshit insane Brian Wilson (of The Beach Boys fame), who speaks wanderingly of how he got the idea to use the theremin for his hit song Good Vibrations. Archival footage and audio only clips of theremin music, as well as clips from many films- including 1940s A films like Spellbound and The Lost Weekend, and 1950s B and sci fi films, like It Came From Outer Space and The Day The Earth Stood Still, testify to the influence of the film.

However, the film's star is not Leon Theremin, but his younger protégé, the great theremin player, Clara Rockmore. And when I state that this woman was great, I mean it. Her handling of the theremin dwarfs all the other players. This virtuoso could literally make the instrument, which could range from producing eerie to barely tolerable sounds, into an instrument of, well, to beg the cliché, genius. In Rockmore's air divining fingers, the theremin could sound like the most virtuoso female singing voice ever recorded. Her talent level, on this instrument, is so staggeringly far above any of the other on screen players that it is akin to watching humans and a cvreature from another species do the same task.

Additionally, this film, unlike the first, is much more dependent upon the technical aspects to cohere it into a narrative and artistic whole. Aside from director Martin, kudos must go out to cinematographer Robert Stone and, especially editor Robert Greenwald. Rare is the film where the editor plays a larger role than the cinematographer, but this is one of those films. By the end of the film, we get to see the long awaited reunion of Theremin and Rockmore- who long feared Theremin was dead, after he was kidnapped in 1938 and forcibly returned to the Soviet Union. The film deserved its many honors at film festivals.

Brilliant and underrated

[filminyc · 10/10 · 4 June 2003]

A marvellous film with a story so incredible, it's hard to believe you've never heard of it before. An absolute must for all documentary and music types. The revelations are priceless and well...can't give it away. See it!

Worth seeing for Brian Wilson's insane rantings

[funkyfry · 6/10 · 5 November 2002]

A film about Professor (Theo?) Theramin, inventor of the Theramin. Includes a very bizarre interview with "Founder of the Beach Boys" Brian Wilson, who rants for six or seven solid minutes about how people liked his song "Good Vibrations" and also about a lot of things that don't make much sense......"Teenagers..... the children of God" (?!?) Also features some pretty good music, but not a great documentary for non-music fans.

why is everyone obsessing about Brian Wilson?

[bobbycormier · 9/10 · 11 June 2005]

this is a very interesting & well done documentary about a very interesting man to say the least. his thoughts & inventions & his life were far-flung. sometimes it was the KGB that was flinging him around! this one can be filed under the "truth is stranger than fiction" section. there is a really interesting recent biography about Leon Theremin called, i think, "ether music & espionage". i read it about a year ago when it had been recently published & if you liked this documentary, you might be interested in all of the pain-staking detail in the book. the Martin doc. itself is almost perfect. the only thing i thought was really gratuitous here was Todd Rundgren (sp?) who was obviously just tacked-on for his name. the rest is all really fascinating. no filler. maybe it could have been cut very slightly tighter for those whose attention spans need a constant barrage. if you can find it, get the second edition of the VHS of this that includes the scene with Dr. Samuel Hoffman demonstrating the theremin on the mickey mouse club as a wide-eyed Bobby Burgess looks on. Clara Rockmore was obviously a force to be reckoned with! Robert Moog is astute & fascinating & humble, as usual. some of the "characters" here are REAL CHARACTERS, to say the least. but their inclusion in this film is, i think, appropriate to the subject matter. even Jerry Lewis. how come everyone's hung-up on this Brian Wilson thing? i watched this with a friend who is a college professor & is well versed in music & metaphysics and we both understood everything Mr. Wilson was trying to get across!

-bobby cormier (of the not famous HeatLamp electronic band)

They forgot Star Trek!

[ubik-11 · 6/10 · 6 November 2002]

The most famous use of the Theremin is Alexander Courage's theme music for the original Star Trek series. It is not mentioned here. It is probably the only part of Theremin's musical legacy that is not mentioned, because this is one long movie. Too long, I'm afraid. It was interesting seeing Theremin, Rockmore, even Moog, and I was not aware of his abduction until seeing this movie, but it really needed a good editor to keep it short and interesting. Nice try, though. I'm glad someone documented his life.

A Great Amazing Film About So Much of Life

[Chance2000esl · 9/10 · 18 November 2007]

This is an amazing film. It's subtitled "An Electronic Odyssey," and indeed, it is, an amazing journey to many places you would not think you'd go.

First, it appears to be the story of Leon Termin's invention of the Theremin. It is! It gives us great historical footage, and interviews with his associates and contemporaries. It seems almost comical now that the Theremin would have been promoted as an orchestral instrument (like the previously recently invented saxophone by Adolph Sax), but the interviews are articulate, revelatory and prescient. Thanks for this wonderful history! Next, of course, is what actually became of the Theremin in musical history: it became the signature sound of 'spooky' films and of science fiction films in the 1950s. We had the great Franz Waxman's "The Bride of Frankenstein" (1935) score, which was also used in "Flash Gordon" (1936), Miklos Rozsa's "Spellbound" (1945), "The Lost Weekend," (1945) and many more even up to "Bartleby" (2001); then all of the low budget and high budget 50's SF films! The genius Bernard Hermann knew he needed it for "The Day The Earth Stood Still" (1951), one of the great, defining, SF soundtracks! (For me, "The Bride of Frankenstein" is the greatest one).

The film showcases, and keeps playing, "Good Vibrations" (1966) by the Beach Boys, apparently to show how the Theremin can be effectively used in music-- much like the slide whistle, chimes, or bells. Bonus points for the extensive 'interview' with the super nutso genius Brian Wilson explaining how 'Good Vibrations' developed. Anybody who's ever taken drugs can understand everything he says! Way to go Brian! Even if you have completely flipped out!

We get the great Robert Moog himself describing his love affair with the Theremin, how it works, and its impact on the development of the synthesizer and electronic music!

But there's more! Termin is abducted by the Russians in the 1920s, and like a mystery thriller, he is discovered again in the 1990s! The documentary interviews him at age 94, and shows him traveling back to America to receive belated accolades, and to revisit New York City to see how his old haunts, and the city itself, have changed.

The last part of the film is a startling film segment for anyone who has ever gotten older. How would you feel traveling back to your old haunts of fifty or sixty years ago? The camera focuses on a bent nonagenarian wandering the alien streets of a New York sixty years in his future. What must he be thinking? What would you be thinking if you were in his place, as you will be in fifty or sixty years? All of a sudden, the film makes you stop and think about the odyssey of your own life, its past, present and the future as looking at the past. It's a psychedelic segment.

So you've got it all-- an entertaining and transfixing musical history and a mirror pointed at yourself. A great film! Thanks Steven Martin! I give it a 9.

The Very Roots Of Electronic Music

[StrictlyConfidential · 7/10 · 27 August 2018]

"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.

OK, but not really...

[xnet95 · 4/10 · 21 July 2012]

I was disappointed with this "film" for many reasons. First, it was impossible to understand the interviews with Leon Theremin. The version I watched had no English subtitles, so most of the last third of this "film" was useless. Also, they interviewed a woman with short, brown hair that spoke Russian with no subtitles. Another problem is that most of these people are not introduced or have their names on the screen. I had no idea who these people were and why they were being interviewed. (My opinion is the director didn't know why these people were being interviewed either.) Anyway, the last third of this "film" just drags on and on because you don't who the people are, and you can't understand what they're saying. It's so bad, it's really annoying.

Another problem is the look and feel of this "film". It was made in the early 90's, but has the look and feel of a 70's documentary. It appears that the director had no preconceived plan of what he wanted, so he went out and filmed all this footage and then tried to make a story out of it when he got back to the editing suite. I've worked on documentaries, and that's NOT how you should do it. The director had 15-20 years to improve upon the look of his "film", but did not. This leads me to think that he was very inexperienced. The "film" looks very amateurish and dated.

Is it all bad? No. The first 2/3 are fairly interesting and tell a good (if disjointed) story of Theremin and his inventions. I loved the performances by Clara Rockmore. They were moving and beautiful. All the archive footage was pretty cool. And Brain Wilson's interview is something you just have to experience for yourself - it's classic! I also enjoyed the interviews with Robert Moog - very enlightening.

All in all, this is a decent "film" (God, I hate it when they say "A Film by ______" in the credits. It sounds so pompous!) But, it suffers from a lack of direction which makes the last third so bad, it's painful. Plus, we can't understand what happened after Theremin was kidnapped and brought back to Russia. It's really frustrating.

I agree, a fine documentary - (Spoiler)

[greglatraille · 4 January 2006]

I found this to be a wonderful film, and the touching ending, where the film makers brought Clara Rockmore and Leon Theremin together again after so many years moved me to tears. (Sentimental? Yes, but it was real!) It was also fascinating to learn of Theremin's other inventions and his kidnapping by the KGB. Other portions of this film reveal his influence on serious electronic music as well as pop music, and of course the use of the Theremin in SciFi films. Highly recommended.

One correction to an earlier review: the theme music for the original Star Trek show did not use a Theremin at first. It was in fact a soprano voice.

Fascinating and comprehensive, very much worth anyone's time!

[I_Ailurophile · 10/10 · 15 November 2023]

Prevalent as the theremin is in various corners, and throughout cinema not least, it wasn't until I was in high school that I had first specifically heard what it was even called. For most anyone I think it's easy to be fascinated by the theremin, but learning more about it is dependent on the resources at one's disposal. We should therefore be grateful for filmmaker Steven M. Martin, who in 1993 gave us this documentary all about the instrument and its inventor, Léon Theremin. I'm certain that I've learned more about the man and his invention in eighty-three minutes than I did at any point in the past thirty-eight years of my life, and for that alone this film is more engrossing than can be said for a lot of other non-fiction cinema. Whatever one's otherwise level of interest in the subject matter, there can't possibly be any arguing that this is incredibly comprehensive, and unexpectedly spellbinding in its own way. Frankly 'Theremin: An electronic odyssey' is a must-see, and you're making a terrible mistake if you don't take the opportunity to watch!

There are a lot of clips of films and popular songs where the theremin is employed, serving to illustrate both the unspoken prominence and the range of the device; without this feature I don't think I'd have ever made the connection that one of The Beach Boys' best songs made use of it. As fellow electronic music pioneer Robert Moog and other significant interview subjects offer their perspective and history, we come to understand how surprisingly simple the construction is compared to other electronic instruments, yet at the same time undeniably more complex and dynamic in the sounds it can produce. To that point, while through the words of people who knew him we gather that the inventor may have had some old-fashioned views, in boundless other ways he was absolutely ahead of his time, both socially and professionally. Why, Theremin created his utterly unique instrument at a time when the word "electronics" had barely begun to be used in the relevant sense, and it was but one of many ideas he had which would have been right at home in an H. G. Wells story. To this add illumination of the man's life, the place that the theremin held in society and the arts even in the earliest years after its conjuration, and many examples of how it wormed its way into culture without us even knowing it.

Moments in the filmed footage that elsewhere would effectively represent dead air and filler is lent new meaning as we hear still more wonderful theremin music, in its own way providing more earnest content. A picture that seems curious at the outset only ever grows more and more captivating as the length progresses - not because some earth-shaking revelations are being introduced, but simply because the wealth of information and perspective we're getting on the inventor and his invention grows ever richer and more endearing. It's true of the documentary generally, and even cinema at large, that the format can serve as a time capsule, showing us a people, places, things, or lifestyles that are well removed from our own purview. Somehow 'An electronic odyssey' manages to be so enchanting that it goes further and feels like watching an old home movie, a slice of heartwarming nostalgia. I cannot overstate what a joy this is, and rather educational, far exceeding what I might have already assumed of a title exploring these topics. Even if one's interests only fleetingly brush against music, history, or biographies, I think there's a lot here that anyone could appreciate. I'm pleased to give this my very high and hearty recommendation; 'Theremin' is one documentary that's well worth seeking out!

It makes you want to buy a theremin and start playing....

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 24 May 2011]

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.

One of a Kind Instrument

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 11 November 2016]

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.

Worthwhile, full of fascinating information

[wednes · 8/10 · 19 January 2005]

It's odd that this documentary has so much cool information, yes is at times almost painfully depressing to watch. We learn not only of the life and many amazing inventions of Lean Theremin, but also of the remarkable Clara Rockmore, the worlds only theremin virtuoso.

Even though the pacing is slow in parts, and the reunion of rockmore and Theremin as oldsters is thoroughly depressing, this is a solid documentary and one that every music fan should see. Also of note are the wonderful interviews with such greats as Todd Rungren, Moog and an almost incoherent Brian Wilson. In fact, it is because of his profanity laden interview that the film receives an R rating. Who knew synthesizers inspired so many swears?

An intriguing documentary

[Bernie4444 · 10/10 · 23 April 2024]

I have seen several small documentaries or snippets of such on the TV and pretty much thought I had seen it all. Look like I was mistaken as this film takes the time to fill in all the nooks and crannies of the Theremin. And an added plus the Moge synthesizer.

It is one thing to present information but another to make it interesting during the presentation and coherent as opposed to a bunch of sound bites that are out of chronological order.

There is so much information that you will need to repeat the viewing. Then you will need to restrain yourself from going out and getting a Theremin kit. There ae also several versions of already built theremins.

An Excellent Musical Documentary

[elihu-2 · 3 January 2000]

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.

Clara Rockman? Who is she?

[Lorenzo1950 · 13 July 2004]

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.

No Strings

[tedg · 17 August 2001]

Spoilers herein.

What lovely women! What strange political machinations, politics of country, music, science, history. What vile conspiracies.

What a story about how a new sound gets transformed from its intent as a source of beauty to the very icon of spookiness. Sound is like food, perceived as we learn.

The pathos of a branch of evolution choked.

How cool that Moog has the pocket full of pens. The early Theremin the white lab coat, and the old one the tape on the glasses.

And this has Brian Wilson too! Anything with him is worth spending time with.

Quite boring and poorly paced

[Skullbussa · 21 August 2001]

The story of Leon Theremin does not require more than 60 minutes. That is the hurdle this film tries to get around by spending way too much time talking to those whose lives have crossed paths with Theremin or his device. Theremin himself is barely intelligible, mumbling on about his recollections that have already been explained by the filmmakers. The use of the theremin in 50's sci-fi and horror films is glossed over and the film spends no more than a few minutes talking about this famous application of the musical instrument.

I love documentaries and Theremin seemed like one of those offbeat documentaries that I so love (Errol Morris'), but it is merely a pretender. Truth be told I caught myself skipping through the last few minutes of the film because it just DRAGS on and on and on. Not recommended.