Leo Woodall champions simple stories in cinema with "The Tuner"
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Actor Leo Woodall champions simpler stories in cinema, contrasting with Hollywood's trend towards complex universes and visual spectacles.
- He stars in "El Afinador" (The Tuner), a film about a young pianist who develops hyperacusis, forcing him to abandon his dreams.
- Woodall and co-star Havana Rose Liu describe the film as a blend of comedy, romance, and suspense, defying easy genre classification.
In a Hollywood landscape often dominated by intricate universes and grand visual effects, actor Leo Woodall advocates for the enduring appeal of simpler cinematic narratives. He believes there is still a significant place for films that prioritize straightforward storytelling, a conviction that led him to star in "El Afinador" (The Tuner).
It was not made with any other intention than to be a simple story well told
The film centers on a young pianist whose aspirations are derailed by the onset of hyperacusis, a condition that makes him intolerant to sounds. While the premise offers room for interpretation, Woodall emphasized that the movie's primary goal is not to delve into complex philosophical reflections but simply to tell a compelling story effectively. "It was not made with any other intention than to be a simple story well told," he stated in an interview.
Woodall's character finds a new path as a piano tuner, a vocation that unexpectedly leads him down a different road, involving his girlfriend, played by Havana Rose Liu. Although "El Afinador" has been marketed as a thriller, both Woodall and Liu feel this label is insufficient to capture the film's multifaceted nature. Liu described it as a "block of genres," successfully blending comedy, romance, and suspense.
We keep saying it's a genre block. It's three different genres in one, there's something for everyone
The film also boasts a notable cast, including veteran actors Dustin Hoffman and Jean Reno. Woodall, however, focused on the experience of working alongside such established figures rather than feeling pressured. "I just wanted to do my best day-to-day, maybe be as present and have as much fun as possible with them," he recalled. "El Afinador" is currently showing in Mexican cinemas.
I just wanted to do my best day-to-day, maybe be as present and have as much fun as possible with them
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.