Archive of films Deconstructing Dad / Deconstructing Dad

USA
2010, 100 min

Section: 2012: A Musical Odyssey
Year: 2011

A documentary about the bizarre destiny of music, computers and people in the 20th century. American composer Raymond Scott made several major discoveries in music: in the 1930s he invented "cartoon soundtracks,” and in post-war America he created the first computer music programs and was a pioneer in the construction of synthesizers. The film was made by his son, who also examines the relationship between his father and himself.

Synopsis

American musician and composer Raymond Scott made several major discoveries on the music scene. In the 1930s he invented "cartoon soundtracks,” recording music with his jazz band tailor-made to reflect the action on screen in a similar way to the soundtracks written for the famous Tom and Jerry capers. In post-war America he opened up a completely different chapter, in the process etching his name into the history of modern art, media and technology: with support from advertising companies, he created the first computer music programs and was also a pioneer in the construction of synthesizers. The difficult and somewhat bizarre life of this hugely influential artist is portrayed in a documentary made by his son, who also examines the relationship between his father and himself. Various contemporary musicians reminisce about Scott on camera, including film music classic John Williams and jazz clarinetist from New York’s progressive downtown, Don Byron.

About the director

Stan J. Warnow has been working as a cinematographer and editor since 1968, chiefly on music documentaries and dramas. He collaborated as both cameraman and editor on the legendary film Woodstock (1970), and he was editor on Miloš Forman’s films Hair (1979) and Ragtime (1981). He works for television and edited Vaclav Havel’s Largo Desolato, a production based on the play by the Czech dramatist and former president. He has also worked on various television programmes, from the children’s show "Sesame Street” to a series by Michael Moore. He was editor on the music documentaries Message to Love (1995, about the "British Woodstock” on the Isle of Wight), Music from the Inside Out, and La Maestra in the House, among others. Deconstructing Dad is his feature-length debut as director.

Contacts

Stan J. Warnow
61 Mt. Nebo Rd, 10962, Orangeburg, NY
United States of America
Tel: +1 845 359 114 6
Fax: +1 845 365 134 1
E-mail: [email protected]
www: www.scottdoc.com

About the film

Color, DIGIBETA

Section:	2012: A Musical Odyssey

Director:	Stan J. Warnow
Dir. of Photography:	Stan J. Warnow
Music:	Raymond Scott
Editor:	Stan J. Warnow
Producer:	Stan J. Warnow
Production:	Waterfall Films Ltd.
Contact:	Stan J. Warnow

www:	scottdoc.com

Guests

Pavel Klusák

Freelance journalist

Stan J. Warnow

Film Director