Wikipedia

Six Degrees of Separation(film)

For other uses, seeSix degrees (disambiguation).

Six Degrees of Separationis a 1993 Americancomedy-dramafilm released byMetro-Goldwyn-Mayerand directed byFred Schepisi,adapted fromJohn Guare'sPulitzer Prize-nominated[4]1990play of the same name.

Six Degrees of Separation
Theatrical release poster
Directed byFred Schepisi
Screenplay byJohn Guare
Based onSix Degrees of Separation
by John Guare
Produced byFred Schepisi
Arnon Milchan
Starring
CinematographyIan Baker
Edited byPeter Honess
Music byJerry Goldsmith
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release date
  • December 8, 1993(1993-12-08)
Running time
112 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$15 million[2]
Box office$6.4 million[3]

The plot of the film was inspired by the real-life story ofDavid Hampton,aconman and robber who convinced a number of people in the 1980s that he was the son of actorSidney Poitier.In October 1983, Hampton came to the New York apartment ofInger McCabe Elliottand her husbandOsborn Elliott,who allowed him to spend the night in the apartment. The next morning, Inger found Hampton in bed with another man and later called the police. The Elliotts told their friend, writer John Guare, the story, which inspired him to write the play years later.[5][6]

Plot

edit

Fifth Avenuesocialite Ouisa Kittredge and her art dealer husband Flan are parents of "two atHarvardand a girl atGroton."However, the narrow world inhabited by the Kittredges and their public status as people interested in the arts make them easy prey for Paul. A skillful con-artist, Paul mysteriously appears at their door one night, injured and bleeding, claiming to be a close college friend of theirIvy Leaguekids, as well as the son ofSidney Poitier.

Ouisa and Flan are much impressed by Paul's fine taste, keen wit, articulate literary expositions and surprising culinary skill. His appealing facade fades as soon as the Kittredges put him up, lending him money and taking satisfaction in his praise for their posh lifestyle. Paul's scheme continues until, after he brings home a hustler, his actualindigenceis revealed. The shocked Kittredges kick him out when it is revealed that they are but the most recent victims of the duplicity with which Paul has charmed his way into many upper-crust homes along theUpper East Side.

Paul's schemes become anecdotes which are bantered about at their cocktail parties. In the end, Paul has a profound effect on the many individuals who encounter him, linking them in their shared experience.

Cast

edit

Reception

edit

On thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoes,88% of 34 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.1/10. The website's consensus reads: "Though it betrays its theatrical roots,Six Degrees of Separationlargely succeeds thanks to astute direction and fine performances -- particularly from an against-type Will Smith. "[7]

Accolades

edit

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^"Six Degrees of Separation (1993)".BBFC.Archivedfrom the original on 20 October 2021.Retrieved20 October2021.
  2. ^Plunka, Gene A. (2002).The Black Comedy of John Guare.University of Delaware Press.p. 188.ISBN9780874137637.
  3. ^"Six Degrees of Separation".Box Office Mojo.Archivedfrom the original on 2024-06-22.Retrieved2016-02-18.
  4. ^"The Pulitzer Prizes".Pulitzer.org.Archivedfrom the original on 2010-08-13.Retrieved2013-09-19.
  5. ^New York Mag The Story of David HamptonArchived2024-06-22 at theWayback Machineaccessed 7-27-2015
  6. ^Gerston, Jill (6 March 1994)."Stockard Channing Goes West".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on 2018-06-21.Retrieved2013-09-19.
  7. ^"Six Degrees of Separation".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango Media.RetrievedJanuary 9,2024.
  8. ^ab"THE 66th ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS: Best Actress".Los Angeles Times.1994-02-10.Archivedfrom the original on 2015-10-24.Retrieved2016-02-18.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Six_Degrees_of_Separation_(film)&oldid=1271967113"