“Roofman” …. When It Began …Did He Think About His Lifespan?

“Roofman” Plot: The INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY of the rooftop robber, Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), and his time on the lam evading capture.

The Roofman: Jeffrey Winchester

To be honest, I had never heard of this man or the crimes that led him to spend nearly his entire adult life in prison. When I watched the film featuring Channing Tatum, who portrayed this complex real-life character, I was particularly struck by a moment when he asked both himself and the audience, “Why is he doing what he is doing?” Despite having a strong family foundation and opportunities that many would envy, he was unable to answer this profound question.

Avoiding Consequences

 In my view, there is always a reason behind the choices we make, and we cannot escape the consequences of those decisions. As I watched the film unfold, I couldn’t help but wonder why Jeffrey, despite his seemingly high intelligence and level-headed demeanor, could not articulate why he felt compelled to resort to robbing, stealing, and evading the law. His internal struggle was evident, yet his actions felt irrational and destructive.

The Roofman & Leigh. Is It A Do-Over?

What kind of example does that set for his three children—two sons and a daughter—whom he had with his ex-wife, a woman who had dedicated much of her life to supporting him? Throughout the film, I noticed moments where he appeared genuinely remorseful and reflective, particularly when he thought about the experiences he wanted to share with his children—a picnic in the park, teaching them to ride a bike, or simply being present in their lives.

A Roofman’s Decision

This sorrowful realization made me feel as if he was trying to atone for his past mistakes, particularly when he met Leigh and her two daughters. It was almost as if he saw a chance for redemption and the possibility of building a more positive life, not just for himself but for the new family he was striving to create.