Six Degrees of Separation (1993)

Editor's Note 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.

	Anthony Rapp
	Eric Thal
	Catherine Kellner
	Ian McKellen
	Will Smith
	Osgood Perkins
	Anthony Michael Hall
	Heather Graham
	Bruce Davison
	Mary Beth Hurt
	Richard Masur
	Stockard Channing
	Donald Sutherland
	Judianna Makovsky - Costume Designer
	Peter Honess - Editor
	Richard Kidney - Executive Producer
	Ian Baker - Director of Photography
	Patrizia von Brandenstein - Costume Designer
	Chuck Close - Cameo
	Fred Schepisi - Producer
	John Guare - Screenwriter
	Jerry Goldsmith - Composer
	Arnon Milchan - Producer
	Fred Schepisi - Director

"He did more for us in a few hours... than our children ever did." ---- Ouisa Kittredge (Stockard Channing)

"I read somewhere that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people. Six degrees of separation." ---- Ouisa Kittredge (Stockard Channing)

"Your father means a great deal in South Africa." ---- Geoffrey (Ian McKellen) to Paul (Will Smith), who claims to be Sidney Poitier's son

"Are these all rich people?"|"No. Hand to mouth on a higher plateau." ---- Exchange between Paul (Will Smith) and Trent Conway (Anthony Michael Hall)

"I hope your muggers read every word!" ---- Flan Kittredge (Donald Sutherland) to Paul (Will Smith) upon hearing that muggers stole his thesis on "Catcher in the Rye"

New York Times
"...[Schepisi shows] directorial vigor....[Channing gives] a reprise of her fine performance as [the] hilariously brittle heroine..." 12/08/1993 p.C17

Entertainment Weekly
"...An urbane Manhattan tragicomedy....[Channing] surefootedly diagrams the breakdown of a soul..." -- Rating: B 06/17/1994 p.56

Variety
"...It is a choice, elegant production, pristine in its craft and attention to detail....SIX DEGREES is magical when addressing the preposterous..." 12/13/1993

Sight and Sound
"...A brilliantly observed, precious little comedy....[It] crackles with ideas and witty dialogue....It's a wonderful piece of storytelling..." 07/01/1995 p.53-4

Total Film
"...John Guare's adapted screenplay is consistently witty and literate, giving Smith and Channing plenty of scope to shine..." 11/01/2003 p.123