Elektro Moskva
Elektro Moskva

Movie spotlight

Elektro Moskva

2013
Movie
89 min
Russian

Elektro Moskva is an essayistic documentary about the Soviet electronic age and its legacy. The story begins with the inventor of the world's first electronic instrument, Leon Theremin, unveiling the KGB's huge pile of fascinating devices, some of which were musical. They all came into existence as a by-product of a rampant defense industry. Nowadays, those aged and abandoned 'musical coffins', as solidly made as a Kalashnikov, are being recycled and reinterpreted by the post-Soviet generations of musicians, sound collectors and circuit benders. The story of the Soviet synthesizers as an allegory to the everyday life under the Soviet system: nothing works, but you have to make the best out of it. An electronic fairy tale about the inventive spirit of the free mind inside the iron curtain- and beyond.

Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Director: Ivan BolotnikovGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

Elektro Moskva is a documentary that delves into the fascinating and often bizarre world of Soviet electronic music and its pioneers. The film explores the unique cultural and political landscape that fostered this experimental sound, highlighting key figures and their groundbreaking contributions. It showcases the evolution of electronic music in a restrictive environment, revealing how artists pushed boundaries and created a distinct sonic identity.

Critical Reception

Elektro Moskva was generally well-received by critics for its unique subject matter and engaging presentation of Soviet-era electronic music. Reviewers praised its ability to uncover a lesser-known aspect of musical history and its informative yet entertaining approach. Audiences found the documentary to be a captivating journey into a peculiar cultural phenomenon.

What Reviewers Say

  • A fascinating deep dive into a unique musical subculture.

  • Entertaining and informative exploration of Soviet electronic music.

  • Uncovers forgotten pioneers and their experimental sounds.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for Elektro Moskva is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize specific audience sentiments.

Fun Fact

The film suggests that the development of electronic music in the Soviet Union was not only an artistic pursuit but also influenced by state interest in technological innovation and propaganda.

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