Hal Willner dies in New York

Film music producer had complications of Covid-19

by Anne-Katrin Titze

Hal Willner with Paul Shaffer and Ralph Steadman at the For No Good Reason reception, hosted by Sony Pictures Classics' co-presidents Tom Bernard and Michael Barker at Red Bull Studio in 2014.
Hal Willner with Paul Shaffer and Ralph Steadman at the For No Good Reason reception, hosted by Sony Pictures Classics' co-presidents Tom Bernard and Michael Barker at Red Bull Studio in 2014. Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze

Film music producer Hal Willner has died in New York on Tuesday, April 7, at the age of 64 from symptoms consistent with the coronavirus. His film credits include Oren Moverman’s The Dinner, Joseph Cedar’s Norman: The Moderate Rise And Tragic Fall Of A New York Fixer, Laura Israel’s Don’t Blink - Robert Frank, Martin Scorsese’s Gangs Of New York, Wim Wenders’ The Million Dollar Hotel with Bono, Brian Eno, Jon Hassell, and Daniel Lanois, John Hillcoat’s Lawless with Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, and Robert Altman’s Short Cuts. Willner put together Tom Waits and Keith Richards in the recording studio and recently completed work on a Marc Bolan tribute album.

His wonderful September Song filmed tribute to Kurt Weill included performances by Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, David Johansen, William S Burroughs, PJ Harvey, and Nick Cave.

New York City remains the centre of the coronavirus pandemic in the US, with more than 5,000 deaths reported.

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film