December 21, 2024 – It seems a bit self-serving when show business people highlight the benefits of show business, as they do in this film, but this prison drama is still authentic and powerful.

Part of the authenticity that redeems this prison drama is due to the fact that there are a lot of actors in it who are former prisoners, including one of the stars of the film, Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin. He plays himself in the movie as an actor and graduate of the real Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York.

The star of the show is the great Colman Domingo, who was outstanding last year in “Rustin” and “The Color Purple.” In this movie Domingo plays the wrongly convicted John “Divine G.” Whitfield (based on a real person of that name, who is a Sing Sing story contributor, producer, and an actor in this film, too). Whitfield finds emotional escape in the RTA theater program in Sing Sing.

Whitfield decides to recruit Maclin into the RTA program as an actor. Whitfield has written a play that he wants to produce, but unexpectedly, Maclin opposes the idea, proposing a comedy instead of Whitfield's drama. Theater director Brent Buell (played by Paul Raci of “Sound of Metal”) writes a wild comedy about time travel, “Breakin' the Mummy's Code,” which is an actual play, written by Brent Buell, who also appears in this film.

At first, Maclin is uncooperative. He is uncomfortable with the theatrical techniques Buell uses to access the emotions of the actors. There is tension between Whitfield and Maclin due to Maclin's anger, and a knife he carries with him. Another key relationship in the movie is between Whitfield and his roommate, nicknamed “Mike Mike” (Sean San José, playing himself).

As preparations continue for the play, the relationship between Maclin and Whitfield continues to evolve, going though many changes, both because of the play and the changing legal circumstances of each of them. This evolving relationship, and the sharp contrast between the setting of the play and the harsh environment of the rest of the prison, makes for a compelling story.

This movie was shot on 16mm film by cinematographer Pat Scola (“Pig”) which captures the settings well. Some of it was filmed in old prisons, which adds to the authenticity of the movie. Thanks to this authenticity and tremendous performances by Domingo, Maclin, Sean San José and others, this is one of the year's best films. It rates an A.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in digital formats, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff (no extra charges apply). I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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