Havana Rose Liu and Leo Woodall Become Piano Virtuosos for 'Tuner'
How Havana Rose Liu and Leo Woodall Transformed Into Musical Virtuosos for Tuner
Elle
Image: Elle
In the indie film 'Tuner', actors Havana Rose Liu and Leo Woodall transformed into skilled pianists, training intensively to portray their characters authentically. Woodall plays Niki, a former virtuoso turned piano tuner, while Liu portrays Ruthie, a composition student. Their dedication to mastering the piano is evident in their performances, supported by a team of music professionals.
- 01Leo Woodall underwent extensive piano training to portray Niki, a character who once was a virtuoso but suffers from hyperacusis.
- 02Havana Rose Liu relearned piano basics and practiced extensively, focusing on five concert pieces for her role as Ruthie.
- 03The film's executive music producer, Marius de Vries, ensured the authenticity of the musical performances, collaborating closely with the cast.
- 04Both actors preferred to perform their pieces themselves, with only a few hand doubles used for complex scenes.
- 05The film explores themes of grief and creativity, as both actors connected their personal experiences to their characters' journeys.
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In 'Tuner', directed by Daniel Roher, actors Havana Rose Liu and Leo Woodall immerse themselves in the world of music, each portraying characters deeply connected to the piano. Woodall plays Niki, a piano tuner and former virtuoso who grapples with hyperacusis, while Liu embodies Ruthie, a composition student. Both actors underwent rigorous training to convincingly perform their roles. Woodall practiced daily, focusing on posture and technique, while Liu, with only two months to prepare, concentrated on five concert pieces, often practicing multiple hours a day. Their dedication was supported by Marius de Vries, a Grammy-winning music producer, who worked closely with them to ensure authenticity in their performances. The film, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2025 and later at Sundance, combines elements of a heist and a musical drama, reflecting on the relevance of classical music in contemporary culture. Liu and Woodall's emotional connections to their characters, stemming from personal experiences of loss, add depth to their performances, culminating in a powerful piano scene that resonates with audiences.
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