TIFF 2025: Composer Will Bates Discusses "Tuner," Starring Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 unveiled numerous films that spark conversation and artistic exploration, one of which is Tuner, directed by documentarian Daniel Roher. Starring the esteemed Dustin Hoffman and promising talent Leo Woodall, this film weaves a narrative about audio perception, identity, and connection through its main character, Niki White, played by Woodall. As the composer for Tuner, Will Bates adds depth to the film’s emotional landscape with a carefully crafted score.
The Story
Tuner centers on Niki White, a former virtuoso pianist grappling with hyperacusis—a condition that heightens his sensitivity to sound, rendering his musical aspirations nearly unbearable. Living in New York, Niki works as a piano tuner alongside his uncle, Harry Horowitz, portrayed by Hoffman. The film paints a vivid picture of Niki’s struggles; he constantly wears headphones to shield himself from everyday noise, which adds an intriguing dimension to the sound design.
The narrative takes a turn when Niki unwittingly stumbles into a criminal plot while working late one night. His unique auditory sensitivity becomes a surprising advantage, enabling him to hear the delicate sounds of a safe being cracked open. As Niki becomes involved with a group of thieves led by Lior Raz’s character, the film evolves into a crime caper laced with emotion and existential questions surrounding artistry and purpose.
Central to the storyline is Niki’s romantic entanglement with Ruthie, a composition student portrayed by Havana Rose Liu. Their relationship serves as a backdrop for exploring various facets of creative expression. Niki questions his identity and self-worth in light of his limitations, echoing universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences.
The Musical Landscape
Bates, an award-winning composer with an extensive background in film scores, wanted to create a musical atmosphere that complements the film’s narrative. With experience ranging from crime thrillers to intimate dramas, he brings a wealth of expertise to Tuner. Bates explains, “The music needed to emphasize the technical expertise of the characters and resonate emotionally with viewers.”
The soundtrack comprises a mix of contemporary jazz, tense electronic beats, and neoclassical passages. Bates has aimed for a balance that reflects the characters’ emotional depth, especially in poignant moments where Niki confronts his identity crisis. “How can we get under the hood of these characters?” Bates muses, noting that his aim was to give the audience an emotional connection that transcends the spoken dialogue.
Crafting the Score
The creative process behind composing the Tuner score was extensive. Bates emphasized that scoring a film is about enhancing the narrative and serving the story. “In the end, we have to realize we’re in the service of story. It’s not about us,” he states. He believes that music should express what characters cannot articulate, helping to amplify the onscreen performances.
One innovative approach Bates used involved incorporating unique instruments into the score, including a vintage East German tuning device that produces unusual tonal qualities. He describes the experience as a blend of creativity and practicality—using instruments derived from estate sales and personal collections. “What a perfect place to use this weird instrument that I’ve had for a while,” he chuckles.
Bates also collaborated closely with the film’s director, Daniel Roher, who was keen on having the score evoke a specific auditory experience distinct from the classical music played by the characters. This contrast between styles enriches the overall sonic tapestry of the film, highlighting the characters’ diverse musical engagements.
A Multi-Faceted Journey
Beyond the film’s engaging plot and visual storytelling lies a thoughtful exploration of music’s coexistence with chaos and beauty. Niki’s journey underscores the substantial impact of sound and silence in relationships, creativity, and identity. As viewers experience Niki’s challenges, they are invited to reflect on their connections with artistry and self-expression.
The underpinning themes of Tuner resonate long after the credits roll. Bates captures this essence, revealing that the story and its characters struck a personal chord. Reflecting on his past as a prodigy and an artist faced with limitations, he relates to Niki’s journey more than one might expect.
Conclusion
As Tuner made its Canadian premiere at TIFF 2025, it highlighted the significance of artistic exploration and self-discovery in a world often perceived through a chaotic lens. The dynamic performances by Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman, coupled with Will Bates’s evocative score, create a rich tapestry that resonates both emotionally and intellectually.
Following its premiere at TIFF, Tuner is set to screen at the Zurich Film Festival on September 30 and the Vancouver Film Festival on October 11, with expectations for wider distribution through streaming services in the near future. The film promises to be not only a captivating watch but also a catalyst for discussions surrounding artistry, identity, and the sound of music in our lives.
As audiences eagerly anticipate Tuner‘s arrival, the interplay of narrative and sound crafted by Bates illuminates the intricate relationships we share with art and each other, making for a compelling experience that transcends the screen.
By focusing on the integration of sound, emotion, and storytelling, Tuner captures the essence of what it means to navigate life’s complexities, echoing the delicate balance creators maintain as they tune their own artistic voices amid the chaos of existence.
