Outside of his apartment building are the stereotypical thugs dressed in black leather jackets who use profane language to assert their authority in the neighborhood. The neighborhood is very dark and gloomy, which contrasts heavily with the bright lights and shinning floors in the Tower Heist. In that sense, the director accurately contrasts the disparity between the luxurious and comfy life of the wealthy to the unsafe and unkempt lifestyle of the working class. Playing one of the ‘thugs” is the talented Eddie Murphy, who adds more humor to this already comical movie. He is the neighborhood criminal who later teaches John and his ex-employees how to steal.
On screen, the actors manage to work well with each other even though their characters’ personalities sometimes clash with each other. Josh manages to stay mature even when Slide makes crude comments and steals his money. Even though Slide is a criminal Josh does not fear him because he is focused on taking back the pension money that Shaw said he invested for all his workers. In the movie; however, things do get confrontational. For example, when Josh bails Slide out of jail, Slide is apprehensive about Josh’s motivations and speeds up the car in an effort to get Josh to admit his intentions. This scene captured the viewers’ attention and added a comical effect to a serious situation.
Josh as the manager of the “Tower Heist” takes responsibility for the pension losses because he confirmed the investment deal with Shaw. Moreover, at the news of the loss Lester, the lovable doorman, attempts to commit suicide by getting in front of the train. It is here where Josh transforms from Shaw’s loyal friend to a modern Robin Hood for the sake of his fellow employees. This transformation is apparent in Josh’s change of apparel; he goes from ironed suits and shirts to jeans and black t-shirts. Josh is furious at Shaw’s arrogance when he tells him about Lester’s predicament. Even under house arrest Shaw still enjoys the same luxuries he had before. He has someone take his breakfast order, clean his pent house and play chess with him. On the other hand, Lester, who planned to use the money for his retirement now has to continue to work as a doorman and has trouble making ends meet. Lester is introduced in the movie as the friendly doorman who enjoys his job, but after he realizes that Shaw defrauded him, he becomes depressed and hopeless. Brett Ratner uses film techniques like close ups to show the honesty on Lester’s face. Lester is very jolly and has a friendly smile, which makes the audience feel pity for him when he feels hopeless. The director also uses the close- up technique to zoom in on Lester’s feet when he almost falls into the subway tracks.
The Director also uses a variety of other symbols to display the striking differences between the wealthy and the lower class. In Shaw’ penthouse is a sparkling red car made out of pure gold parked in the middle of his living room. The car symbolizes the wealth Shaw “drove off” with when he defrauded the employees’ pensions. Moreover, Ratner also shows how appearances play a big role in society; Slide, a criminal, walks into the Tower Heist wearing a suit and asks to be shown around the penthouse and is granted this offer because he presents himself in a professional manner. Slide’s true personality comes out when he locks the guide in a closet and turns up the radio’s volume so that no one can hear the guide’s cry for help. Josh is able to find Shaw’s money, which is the car, because it is worth millions of dollars in gold. However, Josh has to serve two years in jail for breaking in Shaw’s penthouse and stealing the car. It is implied that Shaw will face justice, but he is not shown in prison. On the other hand, the director shows Josh in prison, he is wearing a navy blue jumpsuit, which is different from the usual orange. The dark navy blue expresses Josh’s sadness at serving time in jail and loosing his job; however, the director then shows scenes of the employees expressing happiness when they receive packages of the golden parts from Shaw’s car. Ratner concludes with the message that a happy ending is possible; however, it is at the expense of someone courageous and brave enough to take the risk but also deal with the unavoidable legal consequences.
