Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (1993), Documentary. Interesting movie examines the life and work of Leon Theremin, best known today as the inventor of the first electronic musical synthesizer -- a primitive device that is nevertheless still in use, and was the inspiration for the Moog synthesizer. Theremin came to the United States from Russia early in the 20th century, and was a prolific inventor of electronic devices. In the '20s he was kidnapped by Soviet agents and spirited back to Russia, where he was forced to work for the KGB. This film features many of the applications of the musical instrument that bears his name, including its use in movie soundtracks and in music such as the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations." There seems to have been a paucity of material for this movie -- it's only 82 minutes long -- but that which was available has been put to good use. (Closed captions are available.) Grade: B