Deconstructing Dad: The Music, Machines and Mystery of Raymond Scott

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. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)