Six Degrees Of Separation Essay

Often when adapting from a play into a movie, screenwriters choose to take a different approach to the narrative configuration of the work. Due to this, certain elements of the film and theater adaptations may present differentiations in meanings or themes. An example can be seen between the screen and stage versions of Six Degrees of Separation [1993]. Both are inspired by the true story of David Hampton, a young con artist who was able to convince elite Upper East Siders to open their homes to him in the 1980’s, claiming to be a college friend of their children and the son of famous black director, Sidney Poitier. The difference, however, is that the play is presented as a story that the characters tell the audience through their action and dialogue, while the movie is written in such a way that the characters tell their stories to others characters within the film. Due to the two narrative configurations, the …show more content…
Multiple times in the film, the characters of Flan and Ouisa Kittredge retell the story of being swindled by Paul, the character inspired by David Hampton. Although at times they seem reluctant to recount their experience with the con artist, they are more than happy to do so for anyone who will listen. In doing so, they transform Paul’s life into just another anecdote to be told at the dinner table; dehumanizing him by reducing him to nothing more than a mere plot line. The film explores what life can be if you hold social status and what it is if you do not. If you have opportunity, you tell the story; if you lack opportunity, they’re telling the story about you. The film is able to emphasize the disparity between social classes in a way the play cannot because it brings New York City to life, turning it into significant character within the