When I posted my TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) wrap-up a few weeks ago, one of the movies I had listed among my faves of the fest was Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman. This director is known for emotionally devastating fare like Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines, but Roofman is something different. It tells the true story of Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a rather polite thief who, after breaking out of jail, hides out in a Toys r’ Us store, with him eventually developing a crush on one of the employees (played by Kirsten Dunst). It’s part true crime/ part rom-com, and it has a lot of heart. Unlike Cianfrance’s other movies, it also leaves you feeling somewhat optimistic by the time the credits roll, and it gives Tatum perhaps his best leading role to date.
Following my TIFF review, I was lucky enough to sit and chat with Tatum and Dunst, who told me all about their on-screen chemistry and how, for Dunst, a guy like Cianfrance fit perfectly into the collection of strong directors she’s known for working with. Tatum, who also produced the film, is especially passionate about the film, with him saying the fact that Manchester was a father trying to do well by his estranged daughter really spoke to him as a parent.
Finally, I was joined separately by Lakeith Stanfield, who spoke to me about his chemistry with Tatum, as he plays Manchester’s old war buddy who helps him out with forged documents. He also talks about how at ease he felt on the set, and his appreciation of Cianfrance as a director.
Check out our interviews—embedded above—and let us know in the comments if you’re going to give Roofman a try in theatres. It’s a real gem, and I highly recommend it.
