Sing Sing

Sing Sing
Original title:Sing Sing
Director:Greg Kwedar
Release:Cinema
Running time:105 minutes
Release date:12 july 2024
Rating:
Divine G, imprisoned in Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by performing in a theater troupe with other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity and the transformative power of art.

Mulder's Review

Sing Sing is an in-depth exploration of the transformative power of art, set against the backdrop of one of America's most notorious maximum-security prisons. Directed by Greg Kwedar, the film takes an intimate, empathetic and non-judgmental look at the lives of incarcerated men who find solace, expression and even a form of liberation through the Rehabilitation through the Arts (RTA) program. This program, set up at Sing Sing Correctional Center, becomes a lifeline for these men, allowing them to reclaim their humanity through creative expression.

At the heart of Sing Sing is John Divine G Whitfield, played with remarkable depth and nuance by Colman Domingo. John Whitfield is a lifer who has spent decades within the grim walls of Sing Sing. Yet, despite his predicament, he channeled his energy into writing novels and plays, tirelessly championing his cause and that of other inmates, and becoming a founding member of the RTA. The real John Whitfield even makes an appearance in the film, adding a layer of authenticity that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

Colman Domingo's portrayal of John Whitfield is simply fascinating. Colman Domingo captures the essence of a man who has found a way to remain serene and centered in an environment designed to crush the human spirit. His belief in the power of art to change lives is unshakeable, and this conviction is evident in every scene. Colman Domingo's performance is both powerful and subtle, allowing viewers to see the layers of pain, hope and resilience that define John Whitfield. His character is not only a mentor to the other inmates, but also a beacon of hope, showing them that they are more than their past mistakes.

The film's other central character is Clarence Divine Eye Maclin, played by Clarence Maclin himself. Clarence Maclin, initially presented as a tough, aloof drug dealer who rules the prison yard, gradually reveals a deep, if hidden, appreciation of Shakespeare and the arts. The tension between Clarence Maclin and John Whitfield is palpable, as the two men, both strong-willed and passionate, initially clash over leadership and vision of the RTA program. However, as the story unfolds, their relationship evolves into one of mutual respect and understanding.

Clarence Maclin's portrait of himself is strikingly authentic. His raw energy and emotional vulnerability make his character's transformation one of the film's most compelling aspects. The scenes in which Clarence Maclin and Colman Domingo share the screen are charged with intensity, particularly as they navigate the complexities of trust, leadership and artistic expression. The gradual softening of Clarence Maclin's hardened exterior as he becomes more involved in the theatrical program speaks to the film's message that art has the power to heal and transform.

Greg Kwedar's direction is both sensitive and powerful, striking a delicate balance between depicting the harsh realities of prison life and the moments of beauty and connection that the RTA program brings to the inmates. The film doesn't shy away from showing the indignities prisoners face - the constant surveillance, the humiliating searches, the ever-present threat of violence. However, Kwedar also focuses on the sanctuary provided by the RTA program, where these men can momentarily escape the brutal environment of prison and engage in creative expression that reconnects them to their humanity.

Patrick Scola's cinematography is another highlight of the film. Despite the grim setting, the film is beautifully shot, with a warm, earthy palette that contrasts sharply with the cold, industrial environment of the prison. Scola's use of close-ups captures the vulnerability and intensity of the characters' experiences, drawing the audience into their world and allowing them to feel the emotional weight of each scene. The film's deliberate pacing allows these moments to resonate deeply, making scenes of humor, hope and camaraderie all the more poignant.

Paul Raci, known for his role in “Sound of Metal”, plays Brent Buell, the outside director of the RTA program. Brent Buell is portrayed as a patient, empathetic facilitator who believes, like John Whitfield, in the power of art to change lives. Raci's performance is understated yet powerful, ensuring a steady, grounded presence in the film. Her character's mantra, “Trust the process”, becomes a guiding principle for the group as they face the challenges of staging a play within the confines of a maximum-security prison.

The play the RTA group decides to stage, Breakin' The Mummy's Code, is a whimsical comedy about time travel that involves everything from ancient Egypt to gladiators to Freddy Krueger. It's a seemingly ridiculous play, but in the context of the film, it becomes a way for the inmates to explore their emotions, confront their pasts and bond with each other in a way that would otherwise be impossible in such a hostile environment. The play's ridiculousness contrasts with the seriousness with which the inmates approach it, reflecting the film's underlying message that art, even when it seems frivolous, can be a powerful force for change.

The secondary cast, made up largely of real-life graduates of the RTA program, adds a layer of authenticity to the film that is both moving and impressive. These men, who have lived the experiences depicted in the film, bring a depth and realism to their roles that professional actors might struggle to achieve. Their performances are a testament to the talent and potential that exists within the prison population, often overlooked and underestimated by society.

Sing Sing is not just a film about prisoners, it's a film about humanity. It encourages viewers to look beyond the labels “criminal” or “inmate” and see the individuals behind them, each with their own story, dreams and potential for change. The film is a powerful reminder that those behind bars remain human beings, deserving empathy, understanding and the chance to redeem themselves.

Sing Sing is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that explores the redemptive power of art in one of the most unlikely of places. Colman Domingo's performance as John “Divine G” Whitfield is extraordinary, and Clarence Maclin's interpretation is both raw and powerful. Greg Kwedar's sensitive direction, combined with Patrick Scola's stunning photography, creates a film as visually beautiful as it is emotionally powerful. Sing Sing is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, not only for its depiction of life behind bars, but also for its message of hope, redemption and the enduring power of creative expression.

Sing sing
Directed by Greg Kwedar
Produced by Monique Walton, Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
Written by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
Story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John Divine G Whitfield
Based on The Sing Sing Follies by John H. Richardson, Breakin' The Mummy's Code by Brent Buell
With Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San José, Paul Raci
Music: Bryce Dessner
Director of photography: Pat Scola
Editing: Parker Laramie
Production companies: Black Bear Pictures, Marfa Peach Company, Edith Productions
Distributed by A24 (USA)
Release date: July 12 (U.S.)
Running time: 105 minutes

Seen on September 7, 2024 at the Deauville International Center

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