When analyzing another film or series, especially a Hollywood production, we’ve become so accustomed to complaining about the lack of logic in characters’ actions or world-building that we sometimes forget that our real world is no less senseless, and the people around us often commit far more irrational acts than fictional heroes. This isn’t an excuse for the blatant screenwriting laziness of some creators, but simply a statement of fact. And nothing characterizes this better than the main character played by Channing Tatum in “Roofman.”
The film is based on the real story of Jeffrey Manchester, a charming but very strange robber of McDonald’s fast-food chain who broke into their locations through the roofs. After some time, the police catch him, but he manages to escape from prison and hide for a long time on the roof of a local Toys “R” Us store.
When we see the story of another criminal on screen, what else do we expect to see besides the illegal acts themselves? The reasons why a person ultimately went down the wrong path: a difficult childhood, bad company, a serious illness, etc. And here, from the very first minutes, the film throws the viewer into confusion. Jeffrey had nothing of the sort: an ordinary childhood in a normal family, successful military service as an officer. It would seem that nothing from this should have ever pushed the hero to take the wrong path. Yes, he was later discharged. Yes, he later divorced his wife. Yes, due to employment problems, he can’t afford a bicycle as a birthday gift for his daughter. And here another question arises: how problematic is it in the U.S. for a former officer to get a job, at least as a security guard in a store or in a delivery service?
The impression is that the person simply doesn’t want to burden himself.
In a word, a slacker. It’s much easier for him to rob another fast-food restaurant than to sit in an office every day from morning to evening. At the same time, he treats his victims very politely—I would even say, like a gentleman, causing them no harm (almost). Even his friend and fellow serviceman (Lakeith Stanfield) correctly notes that with such intelligence and attitude toward people, he’s not cut out to be a robber. A man of a thousand contradictions: some viewers will feel sorry for him on a human level, others may find him simply pathetic.
The same goes for Kirsten Dunst’s character, Lee, a store employee where Tatum’s character hides. It would seem she’s a sensible woman: actively participates in her local church, tries to help her timid colleague (Emory Cohen) gain confidence and stand up to the rudeness and neglect from a narcissistic boss (Peter Dinklage). But somehow she still falls for the charm of such a strange guy as Manchester. However, if you look at her more closely, unlike Jeffrey’s actions, her recklessness can be explained quite clearly: the woman recently went through a difficult divorce, her main job doesn’t bring her joy and doesn’t allow her to devote more time and attention to her daughters.
And, in the bitter irony of fate, while trying to help her colleague, she herself is unable to stand up to her employer. Yes, Lee tries to dispute her work schedule with him, but most often unsuccessfully. The sympathy that Manchester shows toward Lee, watching her through the store’s security cameras, gradually grows into mutual infatuation. And to the credit of the lead actors, with the material they have at hand, they play very convincingly. With each new meeting, the chemistry between Tatum and Dunst sparks with new and brighter colors. The eye contact between a lost fool in life and a tired, desperate middle-aged woman creates a “Big Bang” of sincerity and mutual respect.
Speaking about the material as a whole, it’s not particularly rich in plot, music, or visuals.
“Roofman” is simpler and less varied in bright mise-en-scène. But those that exist radiate warmth, laughter, and coziness even in the difficult situations in which the film’s heroes find themselves. And thanks to the entire acting ensemble, not just Channing and Kirsten, life in the film itself is maintained until the end credits and never lets you get bored while watching.
I’d like to separately highlight the Spider-Man merchandise. I don’t know exactly if this is an ironic nod from the film’s creators toward Kirsten Dunst or if it just happened to coincide with reality, but it looks very cute.
If we briefly characterize the film, “Roofman” is perceived more as a tragicomedy than a crime drama. Given who the main character of the film is, this is not surprising. Considering his character and actions, he definitely won’t be perceived the same way by different viewers. The only conclusion that any of us will definitely draw is: don’t be like Jeffrey Manchester. More precisely, don’t waste your life for no reason. One way or another, whether you’ll be touched, feel sorry for, or despise the main character, he definitely won’t leave you indifferent after watching.