Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey is a 1993 documentary film directed by Steven M. Martin about the life of Leon Theremin and his invention, the theremin, a musical instrument which responds to the proximity of the player's hands to the two electrical coils emanating from opposite sides of the instrument's casing; this means that the performer does not need to actually touch it in order to play.
The film is constructed from a series of monologues by Clara Rockmore (a theremin player), Robert Moog (a famous manufacturer of synthesizers), and musician Brian Wilson, amongst others. Collectively, they chronicle Theremin's life and the powerful influence he and his instrument have had on world culture. The film includes material on the apparent kidnapping of Theremin by the KGB in 1938 to work on electronic projects for the KGB and his return to America in 1991. It also shows how after his disappearance, his device lived on in the musical hands of Clara Rockmore, in several movies in the 40s and 50s which used its ethereal effects to add spookiness to their soundtracks, and eventually in rock 'n' roll, including the work of bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys in the 60s, and Portishead in the 90s.
