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Six Degrees of Separation 1993
Directed by
Fred Schepisi
Made by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Six Degrees of Separation (1993). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Fifth Avenue socialite Ouisa Kittredge and her art dealer husband Flan are the proud parents of “two at Harvard and a girl at Groton.” Their lives, however, are about to take an unexpected turn. The Kittredges, immersed in their elite social circle and keen interest in the arts, become unsuspecting targets for Paul, a cunning con artist. One fateful night, he shows up at their door, injured and bleeding, claiming to be a close college friend of their Ivy League offspring and the son of the renowned Sidney Poitier.
Impressed by Paul’s refined taste, sharp wit, articulate discussions on literature, and surprising culinary skills, Ouisa and Flan welcome him into their home. They find joy in his seemingly flattering words about their luxurious lifestyle, even lending him money as his charm wraps around them. However, this façade soon crumbles as Paul’s true nature is unveiled. After he brings home a hustler, the Kittredges discover they are merely the latest victims of his deception, forced to confront the reality of his impoverished existence.
Stunned and betrayed, they expel him from their lives, but not without being heavily influenced by his presence. Whispers of Paul’s escapades become the highlight of their cocktail parties, surrounding him with an air of enchantment and intrigue. Ultimately, Paul leaves an indelible mark on everyone he encounters, intertwining their lives through the shared experience of his captivating but treacherous charm.
“I won’t be a statistic. I won’t be a statistic.”
Timeline
Track the key events of Six Degrees of Separation (1993) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to the Kittredges
Ouisa Kittredge and her husband Flan are portrayed as an affluent couple living in New York City. They enjoy a high-society lifestyle, boasting about their children studying in prestigious institutions.
Paul's Intrusion
One evening, Paul, a mysterious young man, appears at the Kittredge's doorstep. He presents himself as a close friend of their children, claiming to be the son of the famous Sidney Poitier and arrives injured and bleeding.
Welcoming Paul
Impressed by Paul's charm and sophistication, Ouisa and Flan invite him into their home. They are captivated by his knowledge of literature and art, finding his company refreshing amidst their social circle.
Flattery and Generosity
Paul flatters the Kittredges, extolling their luxurious lifestyle and impeccable taste. In their desire to help someone they believe to be in need, Ouisa and Flan lend him money, further deepening their trust in him.
The Hustler's Arrival
The situation takes a dramatic turn when Paul brings home a hustler, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to his persona. This event serves as a critical catalyst that leads the Kittredges to question Paul's intentions.
Revelation of Deception
As the night unfolds, Ouisa and Flan begin to realize that Paul's portrayal of himself is nothing but a façade. The couple discovers that they have become victims of a narcissistic con artist, leading to feelings of betrayal.
Expulsion of Paul
Stunned and heartbroken by the truth, the Kittredges decide to expel Paul from their lives. They confront the emotional turmoil that his brief presence has caused, feeling both anger and nostalgia.
Impact on their Social Life
Despite expelling Paul, his impact lingers in the Kittredge household. Conversations about Paul become a thrilling subject at their cocktail parties, surrounded by an air of intrigue and fascination among their elite friends.
Whispers of Enchantment
As the Kittredges share their experience with Paul at social gatherings, he transforms into a figure of gossip and enchantment. Many of their friends become fascinated by the story of the charming con artist and what he represented.
Reflection on Influence
Ultimately, Paul leaves a profound and complex impact on Ouisa and Flan, forcing them to reflect on their lives and the nature of trust. They grapple with the lessons learned from being deceived and question their own perceptions.
Enduring Legacy
Paul's fleeting presence continues to resonate in their lives long after he has gone. Ouisa's insistence that she will not become a statistic underscores her desire to regain control over her narrative and seek deeper authenticity.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Six Degrees of Separation (1993) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Ouisa Kittredge
Ouisa Kittredge embodies the traits of privilege and sophistication, balancing an elite social life with a keen interest in the arts. She is deeply drawn to the charm of Paul but ultimately experiences a profound betrayal that challenges her worldview. Her character illustrates the vulnerabilities of those within high society and the deceptive allure of charisma.
Flan Kittredge
Flan Kittredge is depicted as a cultured art dealer, navigating the complexities of his high-status lifestyle alongside Ouisa. He is initially captivated by Paul's wit but is forced to confront the harsher realities of trust and deception within their social circle. Flan's character reveals the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world driven by status and appearances.
Paul
Paul is a master manipulator whose charm conceals a deceptive nature, infiltrating the lives of the Kittredges. He displays sharp wit, sophistication, and culinary skills, allowing him to seamlessly engage with their social circle. His character's journey raises questions about identity, privilege, and the fragile nature of trust within social structures.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Six Degrees of Separation (1993), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film captures a contemporary setting, focusing on the elite social circles of the late 20th century. This time period is marked by a fascination with wealth, status, and the complexities of human relationships, as well as an exploration of identity and deception. These dynamics are central to the interactions between characters, particularly the Kittredges and Paul.
Location
Fifth Avenue, New York
Fifth Avenue is a renowned street in New York City, famous for its upscale shopping, cultural institutions, and vibrant art scene. It symbolizes wealth and social status, making it a fitting backdrop for the lives of the Kittredges, who are immersed in high society. The avenue's luxurious atmosphere plays a significant role in the story, highlighting the contrasts between the affluent and the deceptive.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Six Degrees of Separation (1993). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Deception
Deception is a central theme in 'Six Degrees of Separation,' exemplified by Paul’s cunning manipulation of the Kittredges. His ability to weave intricate lies around their lives showcases the allure and dangers of charm. The story highlights how easily one can be drawn into a false reality when seduced by charisma and status.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is profoundly felt as the Kittredges realize that their trust in Paul was misplaced. His presence, initially invigorating and enchanting, ultimately leaves them feeling vulnerable and deceived. This theme explores the emotional ramifications of trust and the impact of betrayal on one's identity within a social context.
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Art and Aesthetics
The backdrop of art and aesthetics reflects the Kittredges' lifestyle and aspirations. Paul's artistic charm enhances their social engagements, while the art world serves as both a refuge and a battleground for identity and perception. This theme underscores the influence of art on relationships, status, and self-exploration.
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