Six Degrees of Separation Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A social climbing con artist pretends to be Sidney Poitier’s son to scam rich people into feeling enlightened, which somehow leads to self-discovery and Kandinsky insights.

🍿 Six Degrees of Separation: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Mysterious Encounter

Ouisa and Flan Kittredge, affluent New York art dealers, are preparing for a dinner with a potential investor when a young man named Paul arrives at their doorstep, claiming to be a friend of their children from Harvard and the son of Sidney Poitier. He says he was mugged nearby and needs help. Captivated by his charm and eloquence, the Kittredges invite him in, unaware of the elaborate deception he’s weaving.

The Charade Unravels

Paul impresses the Kittredges and their dinner guest with his knowledge of art and culture, even cooking them a gourmet meal. However, their trust is shattered the next morning when they discover him in bed with another man. After Paul flees, the Kittredges begin to question his identity and the authenticity of his claims.

Six Degrees of Deception

The Kittredges soon discover that Paul has used the same story to infiltrate other wealthy families in their social circle. They piece together the fragments of his deception, realizing the extent of his elaborate con. The experience forces Ouisa, in particular, to confront the superficiality of her privileged life and her own capacity for genuine connection.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paul (Will Smith): A charismatic con artist who infiltrates the lives of wealthy New Yorkers by claiming to be Sidney Poitier’s son.
• Ouisa Kittredge (Stockard Channing): A compassionate art dealer who reevaluates her privileged life after encountering Paul.
• Flan Kittredge (Donald Sutherland): Ouisa’s husband, an art dealer primarily focused on business and maintaining their social status.
• Geoffrey Miller (Ian McKellen): A wealthy South African investor who is initially captivated by Paul’s charm and charisma.
• Kitty (Mary Beth Hurt): A friend of the Kittredges who also falls victim to Paul’s con.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ouisa Kittredge: “I read somewhere that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people. Six degrees of separation between us and everyone else on this planet.” – Ouisa explains the central concept of the film, reflecting on the interconnectedness of humanity.
• Ouisa Kittredge: “It was an experience. I will not let him become an anecdote.” – Ouisa insists on the significance of their encounter with Paul, refusing to reduce it to a mere story.
• Paul: “Imagination. That’s all it is. I scratch my head, I look at a painting, I imagine things. Suddenly I’m an expert.” – Paul revealing the process of his deception and the power of imagination.
• Paul: “I’m Black, I’m male, and I’m being pursued. That’s the trifecta of American nightmares.” – Paul delivers a cynical remark about his situation while on the run.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,405,918
• Worldwide Gross: $6,405,918

💥 Six Degrees of Separation Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this movie for the first time and being completely mesmerized by Will Smith’s performance. He just had this charisma that made you root for him, even though he was clearly a con artist. The way the movie explored the idea that everyone is connected really stuck with me, and it made me think about my own place in the world. Stockard Channing was amazing too; her character’s journey of self-discovery was so relatable and powerful. It is a film with great characters and an engaging storyline that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of witty, dialogue-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary on class and identity”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from a talented cast”
  • “Individuals who enjoy films exploring themes of authenticity and connection”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief male nudity”
  • “Mature themes of deception and identity”
  • “Brief language”
  • “Reference to suicide”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “A sharp, witty satire of New York’s elite, ‘Six Degrees’ boasts stellar performances, especially from Smith and Channing. The film explores themes of connection, identity, and the allure of the unfamiliar, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining watch.
• Variety: “Schepisi’s direction brings Guare’s play to life, though some theatrical elements remain. The film’s strength lies in its exploration of class, race, and the search for meaning in a superficial world. Smith’s performance is a revelation.
• The New York Times: “A captivating adaptation that retains the play’s insightful commentary on human connection. Channing shines, delivering a nuanced performance that earned her an Oscar nomination.

Audience Reactions

Will Smith’s performance was a revelation, proving his range and ability to tackle complex characters.: Viewers praised the sharp writing, thought-provoking themes, and the exploration of human connection.

Stockard Channing’s portrayal of Ouisa was praised for its depth and emotional resonance.: Many appreciated the film’s exploration of class, race, and identity.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking and well-acted drama that explores themes of connection, identity, and the search for meaning in a superficial world. The movie may not be for everyone, but its exploration of human connection and complex characters makes it a rewarding watch.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1994

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the play of the same name by John Guare, which in turn was inspired by the real-life story of David Hampton, a con artist who posed as the son of Sidney Poitier to gain access to wealthy New Yorkers.”
• “Will Smith considered this role a turning point in his career, allowing him to showcase his dramatic range beyond his comedic persona.”
• “Stockard Channing reprised her role as Ouisa Kittredge from the stage production, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.”

🖥️ How to Watch Six Degrees of Separation?

As of October 2024, “Six Degrees of Separation” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on major subscription streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Six Degrees of Separation, you might like these similar films:

• The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999): Features a charismatic imposter who infiltrates a wealthy social circle, similar to Paul’s character in ‘Six Degrees of Separation’.
• American Hustle (2013): Explores themes of deception and reinvention through a con artist preying on the wealthy and powerful.
• Before Sunrise (1995): Released around the same time, also offers intimate conversations about life, relationships, and finding meaning.
• Parasite (2019): A modern movie with thematic similarities. It explores class and social disparity, with an underprivileged family infiltrating the lives of a wealthy one.

🛒 Six Degrees of Separation Related Products

• Six Degrees of Separation [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition with stunning visuals and enhanced audio. A perfect addition to any film lover’s collection.
• Six Degrees of Separation: A Play by John Guare: Read the original play that inspired the film and delve deeper into the story’s themes and characters. A must-have for theater enthusiasts.
• Kandinsky Art Print – Abstract Composition: A high-quality art print inspired by the iconic Kandinsky painting featured in the film. Add a touch of sophistication to your living space.
• Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Game: Test your knowledge of film connections and see how many degrees of separation you are from Kevin Bacon. A fun and engaging game for movie buffs.

🎧 Soundtrack

Six Degrees of Separation features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The American: Quartet #6 in F major, Op. 96” – performed by Antonín Dvorák

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 10 Will Smith Movies

Ever wondered what Will Smith’s best movies are? This video ranks “Six Degrees of Separation” among them, so check it out to see where it lands and maybe discover some other gems from his filmography – you might be surprised!

Six Degrees of Separation Using My Resumé #shorts

Want to see a clever and relatable application of the ‘Six Degrees of Separation’ concept? This short shows how someone used it with their resume – it’s a fun and creative way to think about connections!

Ellen plays the six degrees of Kevin Bacon with Kevin Bacon 👀

Ever played ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon’? Check out this hilarious clip where Ellen DeGeneres actually plays it *with* Kevin Bacon himself! It’s a fun reminder of how interconnected we all are, and it’s super entertaining.

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