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Six Degrees of Separation (1993)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:29
Fresh:27
Rotten:2
Average Rating:7.2/10
Runtime: 1 hr 54 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Fifth Avenue socialite Ouisa Kittredge (Stockard Channing) and her purveyor of high-art husband Flan (Donald Sutherland), are pedigree parents of "two at Harvard and one at Groton." But the... Fifth Avenue socialite Ouisa Kittredge (Stockard Channing) and her purveyor of high-art husband Flan (Donald Sutherland), are pedigree parents of "two at Harvard and one at Groton." But the privileged insular world inhabited by the Kittredge family, as well as their public status as distinguished arbiters of culture, makes them easy prey for a consummate con-artist like Paul (Will Smith). One night, he mysteriously shows up at their front door - injured and bleeding- claiming to be Sidney Poitier's son and a close college crony of the Kittredges' Ivy League progeny. Impressing Ouisa and Flan with his articulate literary expositions, Paul proves to be a sharp-witted, learned young man with epicurean taste and surprising culinary skill. His highbrow facade is so charmingly persuasive, Paul soon has the Kittredges loaning him money, putting him up for the night and taking satisfaction in his appraisal of their posh lifestyle. Much to the Kittredge's shock Paul is revealed to be a highly persuasive con-man, who has charmed his way into many upper-crust homes along the upper East side with his wit and insider knowledge. As Paul's plot unravels he becomes an urban legend of the upper crust, a witty anecdote to banter about at cocktail parties. However, he has a profound effect on the many individuals who encounter him, linking them in their shared experience. This film version of John Guare's highly successful stage play features remarkable ensemble acting and incredibly witty dialogue with an insider's ear for the excesses and delights of upper crust Manhattan. [More]
Starring: Stockard Channing, Donald Sutherland, Will Smith, Mary Beth Hurt
Starring: Stockard Channing, Donald Sutherland, Will Smith, Mary Beth Hurt, Bruce Davison, Anthony Michael Hall, Ian McKellen, Richard Masur, Heather Graham, Eric Thal, Anthony Rapp, Osgood Perkins, Catherine Kellner
Director: Fred Schepisi
Director: Fred Schepisi
Screenwriter: John Guare
Producer: Fred Schepisi, Arnon Milchan
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Reviews for Six Degrees of Separation
The temporal experience of watching Six Degrees of Separation is one of absorption and intrigue.
Ultimately, Six Degrees of Separation will succeed or fail for the individual viewer based on their expectations and preferences.
A multidimensional drama fueled by a thought-provoking screenplay, tart comic energy, firecracker surprises, and a spiritually vibrant finale.
There are those wonderful performances by the lead players — and especially Channing, who has been underused or misused most of her film career — and they make it fairly enjoyable entertainment.
It's too clever by half, an inside joke aimed at the New York gentry.
A rare sight: a sharply observed Hollywood satire of poignant ideas, such as opportunities in life, achieving fame in American society, and how we all are in one way or another con men.
It walks like a play and talks like a play, but thanks to the gentle direction and the performances from the crack cast -- particularly Channing and a never-better Smith -- it's satisfying as a movie.
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