Channing Tatum, who plays the robbery in a serious case of arrested development, may have brought him the most mature performance of his career, at least if the intense standing ovation of “Roofman” at the Toronto Film Festival premiere is believed.
The film tells the story of Jeffrey Manchester, the so-called “rooftop robber” who broke into dozens of McDonald’s restaurants. Best known for moody dramas such as “Blue Valentine” and “I Know This Is True,” Derexian France saw the incredible story of Manchester as an opportunity to work in another register.
“I felt that I needed to rekindle my love for films and find something like the possibilities of films and what the film can do,” Cianfrance said in a Q&A following Saturday’s screening. “There was endless possibilities for the films I loved, like the ’80s and ’90s… I heard this story about this guy who robbed all these McDonald’s and gave him a jacket in the fridge, and that didn’t sound that serious… Then I was thinking too much, but I was thinking both tragedy and comedy, two of them.”
Indeed, “Roofman” switch between showing the joys of Manchester’s robbery and showing the tragic consequences of his crime, allowing Tatum and Dunst to chart a vast emotional arc with performances that are sure to be told throughout the awards season. Although he was blessed with intelligence at a genius level, Manchester cannot stop riding on the wrong side of the law in film and life that only hurts the person he loves.
“I remember screaming in the actual script,” Tatum said in the Q&A. “I was like, ‘Don’t do that.’ “However, Tatum said he had come to the conclusion that Manchester could not stop him from committing the crime. “I love him so much,” Tatum said.
Tatum and Cianfrance spoke extensively with the real Manchester when they developed and filmed the film, but their conversations drew a massive 15-minute call he made from prison (Manchester is not eligible for parole until 2036).
“He’s very warm,” Tatum said. “He’ll take care of you on the phone… he’s sometimes my reduction.”
Tatum and Cianfrance have joined the stage, as are film co-stars Lakeith Stanfield and Juno Temple. All three actors praised Cian France’s ability to guide naturalistic performances from his cast.
“I don’t like seeing acting,” Dance said. “I like how you feel like you’re not seeing an acting. I want to see people. I think Derek is a real person.”
“Roofman” will begin at the theater on October 10th.
