Kristin Dunst returns to the big screen along side Channing Tatum in the new crime, drama/ comedy, Roofman. The true story a North Carolina robber, whom escapes prison and while hiding out in a Toy’s R Us falls in love with a recently divorced mother who is employed there.
Going into this film, I am the first to admit, I was very skeptical. Co-written and directed by Derek Cianfrance. The director behind films such as Blue Valentine, Place Beyond The Pines and The Light Between The Oceans.
All in which are astonishing films, ones that are both critical acclaimed and beloved by audiences. Yet very differnet than the film in question. Deep, story driven drama’s, that are very much, character study films. Great arthouse style films.
In his latest directorial effort, we see Derek Cianfrance not only try and tackle a different genre from what he’s familiar with. But he blends three different genres, which within itself can be challenging, even before adding in the factor, one of those is the true story genre.
Which some may try to argue isn’t necessarily a genre within in itself. Although I would argue the contrary that not only it is, but also one of the hardest genre’s to work within due to lack of control.
Yes, you can change or alter minor details, or even in some cases change them completely when doing films in which are based on a true story, especially when the details are about historical figures and or times in which there could be room for embellishment.
Yet a story of this nature. One that is not only recent but can easily be fact checked, you have to stay within the guidelines.
A similar example of this, The Smashing Machine, which came out just a few weeks prior to this. Another film based on real people. In which the events happened in recent enough time, that any altercation of details would easily discredit the true story aspect of the film and diminish the film completely.
With that being said, the film does a remarkable job at capturing all the details of the series of events and creating not only a well structured but intriguing film. One that, flows in such a way it feels like watching a movie instead of simply being told a series of events in which merely occurred.
The comedic moments come at the most genuine and effective times. Painting a perfect picture of who Jeff was, even if some details are embellished.
From the singles dinner, to moments in which he interacts with the employees of the places he’s robbing. The comedic undertone, works because of the timing and place.
It was reported by everyone in which worked in the places he’s robbed, that he was very nice and polite to everyone. Never was aggressive. That he really even gave his coat to an employee who didn’t wear one to work, so they wouldn’t be cold in the cooler when he locked them in there.
Giving the film a well balanced tone, while staying true to the story at hand. Which was the story not of how he became the Roofman, or his time committing the crimes. But the story of how he fell in love with a woman and her children, after being abandoned by his wife and kids, following his arrest.
The film doesn’t give us details of the ex-wife and her involvement in keeping him from contacting his kids. Although the film does give us enough for us to understand the circumstances and doesn’t hold back.
Giving us an opportunity to see what really drove him, the motives behind his decision to escape. Which is very much the same as the motivation to begin doing what he did.
Which I must add the film does a brilliant job of capturing the feeling of failure and the true intentions behind his actions. All while never glorifying them.
Like almost all films based on true story’s, at the end of the film, it gave us an update and had interviews with the real people, in current time. (When the film was made.)
All the people who interacted with him, told the same thing, how nice of a guy he was. How he was one of the biggest donators to the toy drive. Which was a key part to his introduction to the church.
Which the one cop says, yeah he gave all these toys to the children and so on, which is great. But the thing that everyone keeps forgetting is the toys he gave were stolen.
A hilarious moment of truth, that again, the film did a great job at portraying this person. Creating an interesting and coherent story, all while maintaining truth to the person and story.
The story of a person, who yes, made bad decisions and committed crimes. Yet what makes his story unique is not only how he did it. But the way he did it and what he did with his spoils.
Overall, the film has its funny moments that are equally balanced out by the dramatic tone of the film and nature of the story. Fanatic performances, in which Dunst and Tatum have believable on screen chemistry.
To which I have to add, it’s such a joy to see Kristen Dunst on the silver screen again, prior to this Civil War was her first major film in sometime and I’m excited to see what she does next.
Overall Rating 4/5 Stars.