Forget the trailers – Channing Tatum's 'Roofman' isn't the lighthearted crime caper you think it is. It's something far more profound, a deeply moving story about a man trapped by circumstance. You might be expecting a fun, quirky adventure, but prepare to be surprised.
Based on the unbelievable true story of Jeffrey Manchester (played by Channing Tatum), a former soldier dubbed the 'Rooftop Robber,' 'Roofman' depicts his audacious break-ins into restaurants like McDonald's. After a daring prison escape, he famously hid out in a Toys 'R' Us for months, completely undetected by the staff. The trailers heavily lean into this 'big kid in a toy store' angle, painting the film as a comedic crime spree. Even the posters show Tatum gleefully reveling in the store's childlike wonders. It’s a clever marketing ploy, not unlike the campaign for 'One Battle After Another,' designed to draw in a wide audience with the promise of light entertainment. But here's where it gets controversial... What audiences will actually find is a film with far more emotional depth and complexity than they bargained for.
While not as relentlessly bleak as director Derek Cianfrance's previous works like 'Blue Valentine' or 'The Place Beyond the Pines' (films known for their gut-wrenching realism), 'Roofman' is definitely not a comedy. Yes, there are moments of genuine humor, but at its core, it's a poignant and heartbreaking drama. It explores the systemic forces that keep a well-meaning, but flawed, individual caught in a destructive cycle. Channing Tatum delivers a career-defining performance, making you empathize with Jeffrey (who uses the alias John Zorn) even as he makes choices that only worsen his situation. The film poignantly depicts his loss of contact with his three young children even before his Toys "R" Us hideout, setting the stage for the profound sense of loss that permeates the entire narrative.
Tatum's performance in 'Roofman' is nothing short of phenomenal. We gain an intimate understanding of Jeffrey's resourcefulness and his constant struggle to stay one step ahead. He’s incredibly intelligent and charismatic, able to see opportunities that others miss and capitalize on them. The 'big kid in a toy store' premise offers a glimmer of hope when Jeffrey begins to fall for Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), a Toys 'R' Us employee. Leigh, a single mother struggling to balance work and family, has little time for herself. Dunst delivers an equally compelling and heartbreaking performance. She avoids the trap of making Leigh a simple caricature (the single mom, the devout churchgoer running the toy drive), instead imbuing her with genuine emotional depth. And this is the part most people miss: the subtle power of Dunst's performance to elevate the entire film.
The relationship between Leigh and Jeffrey is all the more impactful when viewed through the lens of its inevitable, tragic outcome. The screenplay, co-written by Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn, expertly weaves in a pervasive sense of melancholy that hangs over their entire courtship. One particular scene in a church between Tatum and Dunst is so emotionally resonant that it stays with you long after the credits roll. It's a masterclass in understated acting and subtle storytelling.
Cinematographer Andrij Parekh's decision to shoot 'Roofman' on 35mm film is a stroke of genius. Not only does it maintain Cianfrance's signature naturalistic style, but it also gives the film a visually stunning texture. While digital filmmaking has its merits, there's something undeniably appealing about seeing the texture on the actors' faces and the richness of the colors. The long shots effectively convey Jeffrey's increasing paranoia and isolation. The use of film also adds a layer of authenticity to the early 2000s setting and the many iconic brands featured in the film. For example, carefully recreating the specific look and feel of a 2004-era McDonald's, from the signage to the interior decor, adds a powerful layer of realism to Jeffrey's heists.
It's virtually impossible to tell this story without explicitly acknowledging the corporations that the real Jeffrey targeted. From KFC to Burger King, he hit them all. The 'Roofman' production team meticulously recreated these locations as they would have appeared in 2004, adding to the film's overall sense of authenticity. As Jeffrey becomes more deeply involved in Leigh's life and the welcoming community, his nostalgic Toys 'R' Us hideout increasingly transforms into a prison of a different kind. But is this prison self-imposed, or a result of societal pressures?
One of the most devastating scenes in 'Roofman' occurs during Jeffrey's court hearing for the McDonald's robberies. Despite his non-violent actions and underlying kindness, he receives a harsh sentence of 45 years in prison. He becomes a prisoner of these corporations in a far more profound sense. Jeffrey is caught in a cycle of trying to buy or give gifts from the brands he loots, hoping to connect with the Wainscott family. However, his presence, his genuine affection, is ultimately what they truly value. Even the climactic robbery inside the Toys 'R' Us is deeply sad and unsettling. That comedic moment featured in the trailer, where Peter Dinklage's character, Mitch, is hit in the face with a dye packet, is far from funny when viewed in its proper context within the film.
While 'Roofman' will elicit laughter, it never loses sight of the heart and tragedy at the center of a man who played the hand he was dealt as best he could. It's undoubtedly one of the best films of the year so far. But here's a question to ponder: Does Jeffrey's story highlight a flaw in the system, or does it emphasize personal responsibility?
'Roofman' is now playing in theaters nationwide.
What are your thoughts on the film's portrayal of Jeffrey Manchester? Do you agree that the marketing misrepresents the film's true tone? Share your opinions in the comments below!
