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Moog (2005)
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Reviews Counted:17
Fresh:5
Rotten:12
Average Rating:4.7/10
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
US Box Office: $0
Synopsis: MOOG, the new documentary about Robert Moog, inventor of the modern synthesizer, is a portrait of the legendary figure in music and technology and his ideas about creativity, design, interactivity,... MOOG, the new documentary about Robert Moog, inventor of the modern synthesizer, is a portrait of the legendary figure in music and technology and his ideas about creativity, design, interactivity, spirituality and his collaborations with musicians over the years. MOOG was directed by Hans Fjellestad and produced by Fjellestad and Ryan Page, who collaborated on FRONTIER LIFE (2002), a film about Tijuana, Mexico, and its burgeoning electronic dance music scene. Permanently changing the face of music, the "Moog synthesizer" went from being the centerpiece of a late-60s craze -- appearing on records with such titles as Spotlight on the Moog, Moog Power, Music to Moog By, Country Moog, Moog Indigo, Exotic Moog and countless others -- to an indispendable instrument for progressive rock bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Yes to predating the electronic dance music movement of today. Robert Moog has not only made prodigious contributions to modern music and culture, but also has become a character within an unfolding "American maverick inventor" mythology. Moog certainly walks and talks the "mad scientist" part, complete with the fly-away white hair, intense eyes, eccentric mannerisms and a head full of stories. Moog explains that he "can feel what's going on in a piece of electronic equipment... it's something between discovering and witnessing." And he is convinced that many musicians come to "feel" a circuit in a similar way. In fact, musicians make such strong emotional connections with the electronics inside a Moog synthesizer that the inventor himself has reached cult hero status. Born in 1934, Robert Moog has been inventing and building electronic musical instruments for nearly half a century. Still active in his workshop in rural North Carolina, Moog continues to shape musical culture with some of the most inspiring instruments ever created. MOOG was shot on location in Asheville, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo and London and features live performances by Keith Emerson, Money Mark & Mix Master Mike, Jean-Jacques Perrey & Luke Vibert, DJ Logic, Bernie Worrell, Rick Wakeman, Pamelia Kurstin, Stereolab and Tino Corp. with Charlie Clouser. The soundtrack album to the film will be released in September by Hollywood Records. -- © Plexifilm [More]
Starring: Keith Emerson, Charlie Clouser, Money Mark, Rick Wakeman
Starring: Keith Emerson, Charlie Clouser, Money Mark, Rick Wakeman, DJ Spooky, Bootsy Collins, Stereolab
Studio: Plexifilm
Reviews for Moog
It’s unfortunate that there are so many ideas left behind before they get a chance to start
For every insight, there are a half-dozen meandering conversations and unguided reminiscences.
There are things to be learned here, but it would take a real aficionado to geek out on all the knobs and circuit boards on display.
Fjellestad exhibits a playful adoration for the man and the otherworldly sounds of his machine in an intriguing rendering of one of music technology's seminal figures.
The testimonials are plentiful, coming from the varied likes of prog-rock kings Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson to current turntablists like DJ Spooky, Money Mark and Mix Master Mike.
Would that this affectionate tribute to the unassuming man behind a musical revolution had more energy of its own.
Largely, you get to watch a nice old guy waxing philosophical in his beloved vegetable garden, in his workshop or amid city traffic.
If you're not fascinated by synthesized sound, this could be the longest seventy minutes of your life.
The doc focuses exclusively on Robert Moog, and Robert Moog is, well, kind of boring.
Even at his most obtuse ... Moog's deep, almost spiritual connection to his creation is evident.
A collection of dry interviews and so-so music, it's better suited to public TV than the big screen.
Offers a fascinating historical look at the technological side of the 60's revolution in pop music.
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