by Jeffery Rahming, Contributing Writer
Since 1996, the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, also known as RTA, has taught prisoners various art forms. Initially started by prisoners simply wanting to put on a play, it became an official rehabilitation program when the inmates noticed a change in themselves after their performances. To this day, the recidivism rate for the members of RTA is 3%, compared to the usual 60%. Sing Sing captures the magic of this process and how art can be a constant reminder of our humanity.
Oscar nominee Colman Domingo portrays John “Divine G” Whitfield, a former novelist and playwright trapped in Sing Sing prison for a homicide he didn’t commit. He spends his free time helping the RTA and looking for ways to prove this innocence. This year, Divine G and his friend Mike Mike (Sean San José) try to bring Clarence Maclin (playing himself), a hard-edge gangster with an interest in Shakespeare, into the program. Despite his obvious talent, Clarence struggles to let his defenses down around the group. The journey the film takes him down lovingly portrays what programs like RTA can do for people. Acting isn’t just play for them; it’s a chance for them to imagine themselves as more than prisoners.
Among other things, Sing Sing is about the power of acting and expression. It’s a piece that proves its own rule in a way. Every performance, big or small, is impactful. What’s even more impressive is that for the most part, the cast comprises former members of the program. You could be forgiven for thinking they’re all professional actors, even though this is their first movie. They may be playing themselves on paper, but these are still fully realized performances. It’s undoubtedly one of the best ensemble casts I’ve seen this year. Of course, it helps that they’re led by Domingo, one of those magical actors who can make you feel emotional with a simple glance. Divine G’s struggle to free himself and others is compelling, though it often takes a back seat to Maclin, who is quietly the main character. You can see in his eyes that this is a story he really lived. How much of it is acting versus simply raw emotion is blurred, and makes for a powerful performance.
The acting is the star of the show, but it’s aided by Director Greg Kwedar’s skill with the camera. Sing Sing is subtly beautiful, with pristine compositions, ambitious long shots, and a tendency to bring the camera close during dramatic monologues, capturing every micro-expression. His shots always match the energy of the moment. The framing and blocking can be meticulous in one scene and then look like a loose documentary in the next. There are plenty of sad, tear-jerking moments — this is an A24 film about prison, after all — but the best scenes involve the inmates figuring out how they want to put on the play, which is a wonderfully absurd time travel extravaganza involving Hamlet, Captain Hook, Egyptian Pharaohs, and gladiator battles. And yes, that was an actual RTA play.
Sing Sing touches on a long list of topics in its 105-minute runtime. But underneath the depressing exposé of our broken justice system and the fun of grown men figuring out how to explain why Captain Hook is fighting a mummy, it’s about dignity and fighting to preserve it. It’s also clearly doubling as an advertisement for donations to the program. However, for such a worthy cause, I can’t complain about that. It’s strange to say about a tale about men stuck in prison, but this is the feel-good movie of the summer. To see these guys come to life, especially knowing many of the actors were really involved in this program, is heartwarming. Their joy and liberation are infectious. Even with its tough subject matter Sing Sing, like its protagonists, leaves you hopeful despite the darkness.
Rating: Loved It
Sing Sing is currently playing in theaters
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