Μύ 
Anyone who watched Will Smith's sitcom "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" would know he had a talent for comedy. Which is why it was strange that he decided to launch his big-screen acting career proper with Six Degrees Of Separation - a literate, wordy and comparatively serious adaptation of a successful stage play.
But anyone who doubts him will soon be eating their words. Smith, putting in a highly effective performance as Paul - a smart student who comes to the luxurious apartment of society couple Flan and Ouisa Kittredge (Sutherland and Channing), claiming to be the son of Sidney Poitier and a close friend of their children.
His charm and good manners soon convince the kind-hearted pair, who let him stay and even show him off to their high-brow English buddy (McKellen). But gradually, small holes appear in Paul's logic and contrasting stories appear to suggest that all it not what it seems.
It's an intriguing idea that was ideally suited to its theatrical origins. But director Schepisi employs clever time tricks with dialogue and scenery to bring it into the cinematic arena, making for a sharp, entertaining and mysterious movie.
The cast too - armed with a fantastic script - are outstanding, the ever-reliable Channing and Sutherland at once funny and endearing. But Smith is the revelation, belying his lightweight background to produce a character of immense depth, intelligence and heart. If this is anything to go by, he should ensure his dramatic talents are not confined to crap like the "The Wild Wild West"!
"Six Degrees of Separation" is on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ2, Friday 23 March 2001 at 12:20am.
