Director Derek Cianfrance Immerses Actors in ‘Roofman’ Story

Writer-director Derek Cianfrance is known for his immersive filmmaking style, which has led to memorable performances and unique cinematic experiences. In his latest project, Roofman, Cianfrance continues this tradition, crafting an engaging narrative based on the real-life story of Jeffrey Manchester, a U.S. Army veteran who turned to crime after struggling to adapt to civilian life.

The film stars Channing Tatum as Manchester, who gained notoriety in 1998 for robbing multiple McDonald’s locations by sawing through their roofs. Over the course of his criminal career, Manchester is believed to have robbed more than 40 fast-food outlets, often displaying a friendly demeanor towards staff, which made him a local media sensation.

In 2000, Manchester was apprehended in North Carolina and sentenced to 45 years in prison. Notably, he escaped in 2004 and hid in a Toys “R” Us store, where he lived inconspicuously for several months, eating from the shelves and attempting to maintain a normal life, including attending a local church and dating Leigh Wainscott, portrayed by Kirsten Dunst in the film.

Cianfrance emphasized the need for authenticity in depicting such an outlandish story. “I wanted to immerse the entire cast in this story because it’s a crazy story,” he explained, highlighting the importance of making the narrative believable for both actors and viewers. His dedication to realism is not merely a stylistic choice but a necessity to convey the depth of Manchester’s experiences and motivations.

Creating an Authentic Environment

To achieve this authenticity, the production team faced significant challenges. Cianfrance initially sought to film in the actual Toys “R” Us where Manchester hid, but the store had closed and transformed into a mega church. Instead, they repurposed an abandoned location in Pineville, North Carolina, transforming it into a nearly operational store. The team refurbished the space with new electricity, plumbing, and stocked it with 40,000 square feet of period-appropriate toys, reflecting the era of Manchester’s escapade.

Cianfrance likened this undertaking to the ambitious efforts of filmmaker Werner Herzog, stating, “That was my ‘Fitzcarraldo,’ bringing the steamship over the mountain, building that Toys ‘R’ Us.” This meticulous attention to detail provided Tatum with a sandbox to explore his character, enhancing the film’s immersive quality. “It was 360, all around,” Tatum recalled, acknowledging the challenges of finding enough authentic toys to fill the space.

Dunst, sharing her enthusiasm for Cianfrance’s methods, remarked, “The kind of acting that Derek likes is the kind of acting that I like: when it doesn’t feel like it’s acting.” Yet, the pursuit of realism sometimes led to humorous moments on set, such as the time a fake ice cube was used in a drink, prompting laughter among the cast.

Exploring the Depths of Character

Cianfrance’s commitment to authenticity extended beyond the physical environment to the characters themselves. He engaged in extensive conversations with Manchester, who is currently incarcerated at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina. Cianfrance estimates that he spoke with Manchester over a hundred times, allowing him to gain insight into Manchester’s mindset and motivations.

“Jeff wrote a crazy movie for himself, and he lived it,” Cianfrance stated, reflecting on the film’s deeper themes of materialism and familial love. Manchester’s desire to be a good father was a central element of his motivations, a sentiment echoed by Tatum, who connected with Manchester over their shared experiences as parents.

Tatum noted, “I got more than I could possibly convey. I just found myself being held almost by him, taken care of.” This connection allowed Tatum to infuse the character with a sense of authenticity that resonates with audiences. Manchester, who is scheduled for release in 2036, expressed his approval of the film, particularly the promotional poster featuring Tatum with a stuffed bear and a toy gun.

Throughout the filmmaking process, Cianfrance involved individuals connected to Manchester’s life, often casting them in small roles. Wainscott plays a crossing guard, while the pastor of the church that Manchester attended appears as a pawnshop owner. Dunst’s interactions with the child actors portraying her daughters further added depth to their performances, creating layers of authenticity that enhance the film’s emotional impact.

As the film Roofman begins to screen in select cinemas, it stands as a testament to Cianfrance’s vision and dedication to storytelling. With its blend of humor, heart, and a commitment to realism, Roofman offers audiences a unique cinematic experience that explores the complexities of human behavior and the lengths one might go for family.