Tuner: A Diverting but Ludicrous Exploration of Talent and Crime Daniel Roher’s Tuner is a film that revels in its own eccentricity, blending the tropes of the “gifted prodigy who’s gone to seed” archetype with a heist narrative that leans into absurdity. The story follows Niki, a piano tuner with an uncanny ability to crack safes, played by Leo Woodall. Niki’s talents, which he uses to earn a living by tuning pianos, become a catalyst for a series of events that thrust him into the world of crime. The film’s premise is rooted in the idea that Niki’s skills are not just practical but almost superhuman, allowing him to outwit criminals and secure lucrative opportunities. The plot unfolds when Niki, during a late-night tuning job at a mansion, encounters a trio of Israeli “security professionals” led by Uri (Lior Raz). These individuals are attempting to drill into a homeowner’s safe, claiming their actions are justified. Niki, frustrated by the commotion, intervenes and opens the safe in under 10 minutes, earning a job offer from Uri. Initially hesitant, Niki’s decision to accept the offer is driven by a personal crisis: his friend Harry suffers a medical emergency, leaving him in debt and desperate. Niki’s involvement with Uri’s crew leads to a string of simple robberies, where the group exploits the trust of wealthy clients by stealing valuables from their safes. The film’s narrative is built on the tension between Niki’s intellectual prowess and his moral ambiguity, as he navigates a life of crime while grappling with his own sense of purpose. The film’s structure balances low-impact criminal activity with a subplot involving a quiet, crosstown romance between Niki and Ruthie, a classical music student played by Havana Rose Liu.#leo_woodall #daniel_roher #lior_raz #havana_rose_liu #black_bear
Documentary Review: ‘The AI Doc’ With Daniel Roher Daniel Roher’s documentary The AI Doc: Or How I Became An Apocaloptimist delves into the complex and often unsettling landscape of artificial intelligence, blending personal reflection with expert analysis. Roher, who began questioning the risks of AI after his wife’s pregnancy, explores the topic through three broad perspectives: those who fear an existential threat, those who see AI as a salvation, and the tech leaders shaping its development. The film features a range of voices, from Eliezer Yudkowsky, who warns of humanity’s “abrupt extermination,” to Yuval Noah Harari, who labels AI a “deadly threat.” The documentary also includes insights from Tristan Harris, a measured commentator who notes that some AI researchers “don’t expect their children to make it to high school.” This is followed by Shane Legg’s assertion that “the really powerful systems are coming and they’re coming soon,” framing the current era as a mere warm-up. In contrast, optimists like Guillaume Verdon argue that AI could revolutionize humanity’s ability to combat disease, climate change, and natural disasters. However, Roher questions how AI can address ecological damage when data centers themselves contribute to environmental harm. Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, acknowledges the validity of both pessimistic and optimistic views, stating they are “both right and neither side goes far enough.” The film’s exploration of AI’s potential is tempered by skepticism, particularly regarding the role of tech CEOs. While Sam Altman highlights OpenAI’s safety protocols, his company’s controversial contract with the Department of Defense raises doubts about his assurances.#sam_altman #daniel_roher #eliezer_yudkowsky #yuval_noah_harari #tristan_harris
