Unveiling the Magic: A Glimpse into Colman Domingo’s Performance

[Editor’s note: This interview contains spoilers for the end of “Sing Sing.”]

The touching scene of John “Divine G” Whitfield (Colman Domingo) exiting Sing Sing Correctional Facility after 25 years of wrongful imprisonment is one of the most powerful moments of the year. Greeted by Clarence Maclin, the recently released inmate whose life was changed by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) theater program featured in the film “Sing Sing,” emotions run high in this reunion.

Domingo’s raw performance in this scene is particularly poignant, as he had immersed himself in the world of real prisons while shooting the film. The majority of the ensemble, including Maclin, were actual RTA graduates, and much of the film is based on their real-life experiences.

Director Greg Kwedar revealed that before shooting the scene, Domingo requested not to be touched by Maclin due to the emotional weight he was carrying. Despite this, Kwedar instructed Maclin to embrace Domingo, leading to a powerful and cathartic moment captured in a single take.

As the scene unfolds, viewers can witness the authenticity of the actors’ performances and the emotional release that occurs between them. The decision to shoot the scene from inside Maclin’s vehicle adds depth to the storytelling, creating a sense of intimacy and mystery as the camera follows Domingo’s approach.

In the editing room, Kwedar found that this unique shot conveyed multiple layers of storytelling, capturing the emotion of the moment as well as the symbolic significance of what the characters were leaving behind. The result is a compelling and heartfelt scene that resonates with both the audience and the actors involved.



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