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Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

Play trailer Poster for Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey PG,  1995,  1h 23m,  Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 100% 15 Reviews Tomatometer 70% 1,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 15 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
This documentary explores the life of Leon Theremin, the inventor of an electronic synthesizer called the theremin, which uses motion to produce a sliding ethereal sound. After creating the instrument, Theremin is kidnapped by the KGB to work on inventions and surveillance technology. During his absence, the theremin becomes a popular instrument in film scores and through the performances of Clara Rockmore. In 1991, Theremin finally returns to the United States after his release.

Critics Reviews

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Emanuel Levy Variety Jan 8, 2007
A-
Brilliant in moments if also flawed, this is a fascinating chronicle of the man who revolutionized modern music with the world's first electronic instrument; impact on movie scores is one of the docu's best parts. Go to Full Review
Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Jan 1, 2000
3.5/4
Watching Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey is a curious experience. You begin with interest, and then you pass through the stages of curiosity, fascination and disbelief, until in the last 20 minutes, you arrive at a state of dumbfounded wonder. Go to Full Review
Jake Euker F5 (Wichita, KS) Mar 9, 2006
3/5
Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Jan 29, 2005
3/5
Mark Palermo The Coast (Halifax, Nova Scotia) Jan 26, 2004
3/5
TV Guide Jul 30, 2003
4/5
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Audience Reviews

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Feb 24, 2019 Excellent interviews and a fascinating story probably, but ineptly told and poorly constructed by the director/producer/writer. See more
Han L Aug 17, 2017 70% lets not overdo it. It's interesting.
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Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Steven M. Martin

Director

Clara Rockmore

Self

Robert Moog

Self

Nicolas Slonimsky

Self

Paul Shure

Self

Henry Solomonoff

Self

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Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (1994) Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (1994) Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (1994) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis This documentary explores the life of Leon Theremin, the inventor of an electronic synthesizer called the theremin, which uses motion to produce a sliding ethereal sound. After creating the instrument, Theremin is kidnapped by the KGB to work on inventions and surveillance technology. During his absence, the theremin becomes a popular instrument in film scores and through the performances of Clara Rockmore. In 1991, Theremin finally returns to the United States after his release.
Director
Steven M. Martin
Producer
Steven M. Martin
Screenwriter
Steven M. Martin
Distributor
MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Orion Pictures
Production Co
Channel Four Films
Rating
PG
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 24, 1995, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 20, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$8.3K
Runtime
1h 23m
Sound Mix
Stereo
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