Saagar Kote
Directed by Derek Cianfrance, ‘Roofman’ details the life of Jeffrey Manchester, a convicted robber and former US soldier. He earns the nickname “Roofman” because of his unusual method of entering to rob places by drilling through and damaging the roofs, most notably those of McDonald’s. The crime comedy-drama film focuses on his audacious prison escape and the period that followed, during which he hid from law enforcement inside a Toys “R” Us store. Being pursued by the cops, Jeffrey’s intriguing survival story is complicated when he develops romantic feelings for Leigh Wainscott, an employee at the store. The criminal leads an unexpected life, sheltered from the chaos of the outside world. As the protagonist’s life takes chaotic turns, he must confront realities about himself if he has to survive. Pastor Ron’s connection with Jeffrey is an intriguing part of the narrative, introducing moral complexities. The origins of the religious man’s character lead to viewers’ curiosity. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Pastor Ron’s Character is Based on a Real Individual
Although ‘Roofman’ utilizes creative liberties to provide a sense of thrill to the viewers, the story and the characters written by director Derek Cianfrance and his co-writer, Kirt Gunn, remain grounded in reality. One such character is Pastor Ron, who is the head of the “Crossroads Church” in the film. He is a welcoming man who makes Jeffrey feel included in the activities of the church, and also plays music to cheer up the people of faith. Ron Smith, the real-life pastor of the “Crossroads Presbyterian Church,” appears during the end credits of the film, where he talks positively about the real Jeffrey Manchester. He also opines that he wishes to stand with Jeffrey, as he was a fellow member of the church. The director, Derek Cianfrance, had a conversation with the real-life Ron Smith about the movie.
In real life, Jeffrey attended Smith’s church under the alias John Zorn while he was a fugitive, as the members remained oblivious to the truth. Speaking to Sight and Sound (BFI), the director, while talking about Ron Smith, stated, “He said that the Old Testament is about judgement and the New Testament is about grace, and that in his life he always errs on the side of grace.” The real-life pastor’s feelings about Jeffrey and his conversation with the director add to the authenticity of Pastor Ron’s character in the film. The filmmaker’s approach towards Jeffrey’s character in the on-screen story also mirrors Ron Smith’s ideas on grace. The narrative humanizes the protagonist and doesn’t paint a monotonous picture of him as a one-dimensional criminal. Ultimately, the real-life pastor and his perspectives informed the portrayal of Pastor Ron in the film. Simultaneously, in the process of dramatizing the events, some elements of fictionalization were employed in the on-screen character’s creation.
Ron Smith is Still in Contact With Jeffrey Manchester
Although the future of Pastor Ron remains unknown in the film, in real life, Ron Smith is in touch with the real Jeffrey Manchester. He also has a cameo in the film, where he appears as a pawnshop employee. The director’s desire to interview as many people as he could for the movie meant that Ron Smith was able to express his perspectives on Jeffrey. The real pastor has now retired from the Crossroads Presbyterian Church. According to a 2025 report from the Charlotte Observer, Ron Smith thinks of Jeffrey as someone who deserves something in between hatred and reverence. The point of grace is also reiterated by the former pastor, who favors forgiveness and empathy more than legal arguments. He also believes that the church was the one space where Jeffrey felt like he belonged. Smith said, “I don’t know what it was like before for him (Jeffrey Manchester), but he apparently had never felt that acceptance.”
Due to his involvement in the process of filmmaking, Ron Smith rediscovered his connection with Jeffrey. He provided some consultancy to the director in creating the storyline and the character arcs. It can be presumed that the former pastor’s rekindling of memories helped him to get in touch with the convicted robber again and also maintain regular contact. However, outside of his connection to the convict and, subsequently, Cianfrance’s film, the pastor seems to prefer a private life away from the public limelight. All in all, Ron Smith’s path crossed with Jeffrey’s at an unusual stage in the latter’s life, which ultimately led to a unique connection between the two men that still exists in the present day.
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