Overview
A chance encounter with a charming stranger leads to a profound exploration of privilege and compassion.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- sardonic
- theatrical
- thoughtful movie night
- theater adaptation showcase
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an intelligent, well-acted adaptation whose sharp social criticism and theatrical dialogue are more compelling than its cinematic dynamism.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ouisa and Flan relay their encounter with Paul to friends and acquaintances, turning it into an evolving social legend.
The Kittredges pride themselves on being compassionate while their treatment of Paul exposes the limits of their empathy.
Paul captivates the Kittredges through charm, eloquence, pedigree, and claims that fit their desires.
The Kittredges' prized double-sided Kandinsky symbolizes the opposing forces of control and chaos that shape their encounter with Paul.
Films like Six Degrees of Separation, and why
The Talented Mr. Ripley
shared blend of social satire, class critique, identity performance, and dialogue-driven comedy drama
The Great Gatsby
shared themes of class anxiety, deception, cultured privilege, and morally uneasy charm
The Player
shared witty ensemble drama, artificial social worlds, and criticism of upper-class self-absorption
The Spanish Prisoner
shared mystery structure, theatrical dialogue, and examination of empathy across racial and class boundaries
Movie Details
- Director
- Fred Schepisi
- Release Date
- 1993-12-08
- Runtime
- 112 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (384)
Cast
- Stockard Channing
- Will Smith
- Donald Sutherland
- Ian McKellen
- Mary Beth Hurt
- Bruce Davison
- Richard Masur
- Anthony Michael Hall
- Heather Graham
- Eric Thal
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Six Degrees of Separation about?
- A sophisticated New York art-dealing couple confronts the seductive instability of privilege after welcoming a mysterious young stranger into their home.
- What is Six Degrees of Separation like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Six Degrees of Separation as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Six Degrees of Separation violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Six Degrees of Separation as mild.
- What did critics think of Six Degrees of Separation?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an intelligent, well-acted adaptation whose sharp social criticism and theatrical dialogue are more compelling than its cinematic dynamism.
- Which films are like Six Degrees of Separation?
- Films with a similar feel include The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Great Gatsby, The Player, and The Spanish Prisoner.
- How long is Six Degrees of Separation?
- Six Degrees of Separation runs 112 minutes.
- Where can I watch Six Degrees of Separation?
- In United States, Six Degrees of Separation is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
