Oscar Winner Daniel Roher on Directing His Narrative Debut ‘Tuner’

Oscar Winner Daniel Roher’s Thriller “Tuner” Premieres at TIFF.Director Daniel Roher premieres his new thriller “Tuner” at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film marks his narrative debut after winning an Oscar for the documentary “Navalny”. It stars Leo Woodall as a piano tuner with extraordinary hearing.Roher transitions from non-fiction to a scripted world of safecracking and romance. The movie also features legendary actors Dustin Hoffman and Jean Reno.

From Documentary Truth to Scripted Fiction

Roher faced a steep learning curve moving to fiction filmmaking. He described the process as fundamentally different from documentary work. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he relied on his core storytelling skills.He found comfort in knowing his ending from the start. Documentary filmmaking often involves searching for an ending during editing. Scripted work allowed him to build toward a planned conclusion.

Inspiration Behind the High-Concept Drama

The idea emerged from a personal creative crisis post-Oscar win. Roher felt unsure about his next project and identity as a filmmaker. This introspection led to creating a character facing similar struggles.Meeting a real piano tuner provided the crucial spark. The technician’s philosophical talk about his work fascinated Roher. He combined these elements into a story about sound, sensitivity, and identity.The film explores universal themes through a unique premise. It asks what happens when someone’s greatest gift becomes their biggest burden. This emotional core drives the thriller elements forward.

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Thought you’d like to know

What is “Tuner” about?

“Tuner” follows a piano technician with perfect pitch who becomes a safecracker. His sensitive hearing helps him crack vaults but also causes sensory overload. The story blends thriller elements with a romantic subplot.

Who stars in the new film?

Leo Woodall plays the lead role alongside Dustin Hoffman as his mentor. The cast also includes Havana Rose Liu, Jean Reno, and Lior Raz. Hoffman plays a jazz-loving piano shop owner.

How did Roher prepare for his fiction debut?

He studied cinematic techniques from directors like David Fincher. Roher also worked closely with his wife, a romance filmmaker, on the love story elements. He focused heavily on casting the right performers.

What makes the sound design special?

Oscar-winning sound designer Johnnie Burn created the auditory landscape. The mix puts viewers inside the protagonist’s heightened sensory experience. It features both intense silence and overwhelming noise.

How does music function in the film?

The score blends classical compositions with jazz influences. These represent the different worlds of the main characters. Needle drops from Nina Simone and Oscar Peterson complete the musical identity.

Will Roher continue making fiction films?

He expressed great enjoyment in the scripted filmmaking process. The director believes this format suits his storytelling strengths. He plans to continue working in both documentary and fiction formats.