Experience / Films
Theremin In Film
Theremins have been used for various purposes in films throughout the past century. This page catalogs all the films we know of where a theremin either appeared on screen or in the soundtrack.
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Alien Trespass
It's 1957 all over again. Made by R. W. Goodwin of X-Files fame, this 2009 homage to the genre looks great, stars Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and has a very nice score by Louis Febre. Theremin played by Rob Schwimmer
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Hobson
See IMDB page.
For a clip that includes Theremin see the following Youtube page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYplrkCTiCw -
Hobson's Choice (1954)
Henry Hobson runs a successful bootmaker's shop in nineteenth-century Salford. A widower with a weakness for the pub opposite, he tries forcefully to rule the lives of his three unruly daughters. When he decrees 'no marriages' to avoid the expensive matter of settlements, eldest daughter Maggie rebels and sets her sights on Will Mossop, Hobson's star bootmaker. Maggie and Will leave to start up in competition, and she then turns her mind to helping her sisters marry their chosen partners.
See YouTube segment including scene with theremin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYplrkCTiCw -
Internet Movie Database Keyword: Theremin
Here is a list of 52 movies (including some already mentioned here) that have the keyword: Theremin.
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Inventory: 14 Movies from Two Ages of Theremin Music
AVClub.com's list of 14 films featuring a theremin prominently in the score.
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It Came From Outer Space
Aliens land on earth and take over the bodies of unsuspecting citizens of a sleepy town while they buy time to fix their craft. Theremin music throughout!
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King of California
Starring Michael Douglas. Quirky, over the top vibrato'd Theremin in a nice small score.
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La Nina Santa (The Holy Girl)
In Amalia's mind and body, spiritual and sexual impulses seem to mingle like molecules forming a volatile compound. The object of her own vocation, which is implied more than articulated, is Dr. Jano (Carlos Belloso), a participant in the conference. One day, in the midst of a crowd watching a demonstration of the theremin (an instrument known for its eerie, otherworldly sounds), the doctor rubs up against her, a creepy violation made more so by his morose flirtation with Helena (Mercedes Mor?n), Amalia's mother, who wears her loneliness like a backless dress.
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Martians Go Home!: La Venganza de Sara Clockwork
It's a short film where the Theremin is the main character. Widely awarded it's a must see for all who love the instrument.
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Queen of Blood
"Queen of Blood"-66
I would like to draw you folks attention to this films hauntingly beautiful opening music and artwork. Composed by one Leonard Morand it can best be described as a "two-and-a-half-minute full orchestra nightmare de luxe", and combined wtih the eerie beauty of John Cline?s (aquarelle?) art it makes for a wonderful kick, as far as theremin related experiences go. As for you out there who oppose to the theremin being used for "spooki" effects... just be musical about it and appreciate the piece for its sheer... competence! The film features a young Dennis Hopper (pre-Easy Rider), and famous Sherlock Holmes interpreter Basil Rathbone, and is in its own right an "A-OK" B-sci-fi film with footage stolen from the soviet space-opera classic "Planet of Storms", green vampire women and all! When you have checked it out, I am sure you will come to the same conclusion I have: It just GOTTA be the good dr. Hoffman playing! Or Is It!!?
To me , it sound a bit like they?ve taken the theremin track out of "The Day the World Ended", you know the scene where the girl awakens and you only see the shadow of the monster..., and put it over the orchestra track... but I want to think that it is an original composition...
Listen to it, and enjoy! -
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Klaatu, Barada, Niktu!
An incredible score with heavy theremin use accompanies this 1951 film about an alien and his robot who come to warn the people of Earth to change their ways, or else! One of the best examples of theremin music in the sci-fi genre, and a great story to boot!
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The Lost Weekend
In this classic, Miklos Rozsa's theremin-laden score accompanies scenes of alcohol-fueled dazes as the main character struggles with his affliction.
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The Machinist
The Machinist
is the story of Trevor Reznik, a lathe-operator who is dying of insomnia. In a machine shop, occupational hazards are bad enough under normal circumstances; yet for Trevor the risks are compounded by fatigue. Trevor has lost the ability to sleep. A theremin provides mood-setting music throughout the score.
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Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey
This amazing documentary by Steven M. Martin is a must-see for anyone interested in the theremin. See rare footage of Leon Theremin, Clara Rockmore, Samuel Hoffman, and more. Hear from Lydia Kavina, Bob Moog, and Brian Wilson about how the theremin influenced their lives. It's part love story/part spy story, and part historic record.
