Watch Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey is a unique and captivating documentary that explores the life and work of Leon Theremin, a Russian inventor and musician who is best known for creating the first electronic musical instrument, the theremin. The film provides an expansive perspective on the theremin's development, influence, and impact on electronic music and culture.

The movie consists of several elements, including interviews, archival footage, and reenactments that are carefully woven together to tell Theremin's story. The film begins by introducing the theremin itself, providing the viewer with a brief history of its origins and development. It then delves into Theremin's life, starting with his early years in Russia and his initial career as a physicist.

However, what sets Theremin apart is the focus on the inventor's love for music, and his eventual creation of the theremin as a musical instrument. The movie takes the viewer on a journey from the theremin's invention in 1920s Russia to its use in classical music, jazz, and even Hollywood film scores. Throughout the documentary, the film makes use of beautiful footage and sound recordings to showcase the eerily beautiful and otherworldly sound of the theremin.

Additionally, the film includes interviews with a number of electronic music luminaries, including Robert Moog, a major player in the electronic music revolution and creator of the renowned Moog synthesizer. Moog speaks to the influence that the theremin had on his own work, and how Theremin's creation served as a precursor to the development of other groundbreaking electronic instruments.

Another key figure in the documentary is Clara Rockmore, a virtuoso theremin player who was involved in the development of the instrument from its earliest days. The film portrays her as the epitome of elegance and fluidity, and she proves a mesmerizing presence on screen as she plays the theremin with remarkable skill and emotion. Her interviews in the documentary provide insight into her own relationship with Theremin, and the importance of the instrument in her life and career.

Overall, Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey is a fascinating and informative documentary that offers a unique window into the world of electronic music and one of its most important creators. The movie delves into the technical details of the theremin's creation as well as its cultural and historical significance, while remaining accessible and engaging to viewers of all levels of musical expertise. While the documentary can be somewhat slow and occasionally repetitive, it ultimately succeeds in providing a comprehensive and moving tribute to one of music's most unconventional innovators.