Even though “Sing Sing” (A24) features out actor Colman Domingo (giving another of his trademark Oscar-worthy performances) and tells the story of a sort of theater troupe, it is not a musical. It is, in fact, quite the opposite. “Sing Sing” is the kind of “feel good” movie that the Brits are so good at, as in the cases of “The Full Monty,” “Brassed Off,” “Billy Elliott,” and “Pride.”
“Sing Sing” is based on the true story of John “Divine G” Whitfield (portrayed by Domingo), a talented man who attended New York’s famous High School of the Performing Arts. But his life took a detour in 1988 when he was wrongfully arrested and sent to the maximum-security Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York.
Making Divine G’s incarceration more tolerable, as he awaits his next parole hearing, is his involvement in the RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts) program. It’s there that he puts his skills as a performer and writer to good use. It’s the kind of setting that can offer an affirmative alternative to those facing years in a bleak, and often volatile situation.
What makes “Sing Sing” a unique experience is that, aside from Domingo, Paul Raci (who plays Brent, the director of the RTA’s theatrical productions), and Sean San Jose (who plays Mike Mike, Divine G’s closest ally behind bars) the remainder of the cast of characters is portrayed by former inmates who had taken part in the RTA program). This casting gives the movie an extra layer of authenticity, and somehow succeeds in keeping the audience manipulation to a minimum.
Combining scenes of creativity (following a successful performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the men want to perform an original work), collaboration, and rehearsal, “Sing Sing” does a good job of capturing the energy of a theatrical production. Interwoven into the story are also personal interactions between the characters, putting their frustrations and tragedies on full display. Moments of exhilaration are followed by scenes of tension and intensity.
Naturally, you can’t have a story like this without considerable drama. Scenes involving the unexpected death of one of the cast member inmates (from a brain aneurysm), as well as Divine G’s devastating parole hearing, and subsequent breakdown, in addition to the powerful conclusion, all add up to an emotional powerhouse of a movie. Other than being 15–20 minutes too long, “Sing Sing” is worth seeing, particularly for Domingo’s outstanding work onscreen.
Rating: B+
