‘Sing Sing’ and the Importance of Human Dignity
Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin in Sing Sing | Credit: A24
Sing Sing takes us into the infamous prison by the same name, where we encounter a theater troupe within its walls. We spend time with these men as they work to stage their latest play and attempt to retain their humanity.
This film is as wonderful as I had heard it would be. The high praise from critics and film friends was spot on; this film is heartbreaking, moving, and powerful.
What impressed me most about Sing Sing is its intentionality to consistently focus on the humanity and dignity of all of the men in this film. Prison is a dehumanizing experience, and we see elements of this in the film: insults from guards, the ransacking of a cell, the movement back to their cells. It’s clear that these men are in a place that is actively seeking to strip them of their humanity.
At one point in the film, D-Dan (Sean Dino Johnson) says about the theater group, “We’re here to become human again.” And in those moments with the RTA theater troupe, we feel that sense of release. In this room, they are able to be themselves. Through silly warm-up exercises, they come back into their bodies. Through acting out these roles, they are able to reconnect with their emotions and experience vulnerability. This is a trusted space, a safe space, in the midst of this prison.
Sing Sing isn’t interested in sensationalizing this prison experience. It’s not interested in violence or explosive moments like we often see in prison dramas. Instead, this film is interested in exploring who these men are. It’s about centering the lives and experiences of these men who have dignity and agency, even if they do find themselves behind bars.
At one point, Divine G (Colman Domingo) explains to the newest member of their group, Divine Eye (Clarence Maclin), that they call each other “beloved.” At first, Divine Eye scoffs at this, but eventually, he is able to see the beauty in it. And I think the inclusion of that line and theme is so important. A key aspect of dehumanization is language, so by calling each other “beloved,” they are reclaiming that part of their humanity. They are recognizing the value and worth of those around them. It may seem like a small detail, but it’s vital to what the men in this troupe are doing together.
All of these ideas and themes around the humanity of these men are born out in Sing Sing’s production as well. Former members of the troupe are in the cast and the production ensured that their mental and emotional health was cared for as they were reliving some of these moments. People were paid a livable wage for their work and given equity in this film. An effort was made by the production to ensure that everyone involved was treated with respect and care, mirroring the wonderful themes of this film.
Colman Domingo in Sing Sing | Credit: A24
Sing Sing doesn’t just highlight powerful themes and stories, but it is impressive on a technical level as well. Many of the shots of the men are close-ups, which helps create both a feeling of intimacy and connection with them and highlights how small everything is.
The film also does a great job of showing a juxtaposition between the RTA troupe and their experience in the rest of the prison. The film opens with Divine G’s monologue on the beautiful, vibrant stage before all of the men are forced to walk, in a straight line, in matching clothing, back to their cells. There are moments when the men are able to be outside and enjoy nature, but those are often short-lived. And the emotional connection they have with one another in the group is a beautiful refuge, a break from their regular experiences behind bars.
Not only is Sing Sing well made, but it’s also an important film. On Movies & Us, we often talk about the importance of the stories that we tell. The movies and TV that we watch, the books we read, and the art we consume all help shape our world. And stories like this, that center on the humanity of those impacted by the criminal legal system are important. These are people with dignity and worth, just like those of us on the outside, and Sing Sing is an important reminder of that fact.
I was absolutely captivated by this film, and I can’t wait to see it again. We’re only a few months into the year, but this is guaranteed to be on my Top 10 list that we make at the end of the year.