Tuner Star Reveals Unique Preparation For 96% RT Heist Thriller

3 weeks ago 13

Tuner, the fictional feature film debut from documentary filmmaker Daniel Roher, is a heartwarming heist thriller that keeps viewers on their toes from the jump. The story follows Niki (played by Leo Woodall), a piano prodigy who was forced to give up his passion after developing hyperacusis, a condition defined by the debilitating pain that otherwise innocuous sounds cause those who suffer from it.

In lieu of pursuing his talents, Niki works as a piano tuner alongside Harry Horowitz (Dustin Hoffman), which is how he meets fledgling composer Ruthie (Bottoms star Havana Rose Liu). But his career ambitions and romantic prospects are interrupted when he is roped into a series of thefts by a group of shady security guards, leading to a heart-pounding whirlwind of events that test Niki's mettle and his morals.

ScreenRant interviewed Woodall about how he prepared to take on such a nuanced role in Tuner, including the real-life research he did into hyperacusis. The actor also shared what he learned on set from Hoffman, and which scene stood out to him from the first read.

Leo Woodall Did His Homework To Star In Tuner

ScreenRant: Niki suffers from hyperacusis, which has set his life on a totally different trajectory. How did you prepare to portray someone dealing with that condition in Tuner?

Leo Woodall: The first step for me was speaking to someone who had the condition. I was put in contact with a guy called Alex Ruger, who has lived with it for a very long time, and he was incredibly generous with me with his story and his experience navigating the condition.

It was really important to me to get a grasp on how loud life might be. I was taking note of all the things that might disrupt Niki's day, and potentially cause him great pain, and the things that he would need to protect himself from.

ScreenRant: The events of Tuner are set in motion due to Niki wanting to help Harry and Marla, and we see that they’re almost like parents to him. What was it like developing that onscreen bond, especially with Dustin Hoffman?

Leo Woodall: It was so easy. They are who they are because they're that good, and when someone like Dustin is that good, they make acting easier. They make you feel like you're the only person in the room that they're talking to, and they make you react far more impulsively and instinctively than you would otherwise. It was such heaven being his and Tovah Feldshuh's surrogate son.

Tuner's Romance & Music Go Hand In Hand

Havana Rose Liu and Leo Woodall leaning in to kiss in Tuner

ScreenRant: I really loved your dynamic with Havana Rose Liu’s Ruthie, and I was rooting for y’all the whole time. What draws him to her, and how does she change his perspective in the film, given that she is still actively pursuing music?

Leo Woodall: I think what's interesting is that, even though it ultimately becomes a bit of a friction with them, her music initially is the first thing that draws him towards her. He sees her play, and he's just captivated. She sees his gifted nature with music, and she's captivated, and they're both just very intrigued.

They both are a little reluctant to get close to people for different reasons, but maybe it's that "opposites attract" thing. I think they complement each other very well, though, and decide that they have to be brave enough to just dive in.

ScreenRant: The film is special because it is so many genres at once and excels at all of them. What surprised you most about the script?

Leo Woodall: There were so many moments, but that initial meet-cute with Niki and Ruthie, when she plays the chords, and he reels them off. She plays the most complicated chord she can, and he knows exactly what it is, and then he's like, "See ya!" I just thought that was really cool, and I wanted to do it.

Honestly, I still remember that feeling of finishing the script, with that final button. The key changed a few times, but I just remember thinking it was such a satisfying button to just cut to black on. I just thought it was just really brilliantly done.

Tuner is now playing in theaters.