The Delian Mode (2009) User Reviews

A visually sumptuous record of an important figure

[kfinlayson-1 · 10/10 · 13 December 2010]

The Delian Mode is a wonderful 25 minute documentary about British electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire by Canadian director Kara Blake. The film blends archival footage, interviews with Delia's friends and peers at BBC Radiophonic Workshop, recordings of Delia discussing her life and art, and interviews with contemporary musicians who cite her as an influence, such as Portishead, Add N To X and Sonic Boom. All these elements are woven together in a visually dense, almost tactile experience. It's perfectly paced, and completely engrossing—a fitting tribute to such an important figure in the history 20th century music.