Six Ways to Sunday

Released 1998
Stars Norman Reedus, Debbie Harry, Adrien Brody, Holter Graham, Elina Löwensohn, Peter Appel, Isaac Hayes
Directed by Adam Bernstein

It's obvious from the beginning that there is something not quite right about the relationship between Harry (Norman Reedus) and his mother (Deborah Harry). Then it becomes quite clear that the rest of the characters in Six Ways to Sunday are also quite odd. Not long after that, you realize that you are caught up in a violently surreal movie about Jewish gangsters, unnatural relationships, and the overriding power of true love.

Six Ways to Sunday is best described as twisted and weird, but unexpectedly redeeming. Reminiscent of David Lynch films, with hints of Quentin Tarrantino, this film constantly surprises. Harry and his mother will make viewers squirm as she mothers and smothers her 18-year-old son. Controlling his bath time, his relationships and even the light switch in his bedroom keeps Harry guilt-ridden and obedient.

Graphically violent to a fault, Six Ways to Sunday might not be a good choice for squeamish viewers. While it is possible to shut your eyes for some of the gore, many of the grisly scenes, which run the gamut from mob execution to death by jack hammer, pop up unexpectedly. Much of the violence stems from the fact that young Harry has found his calling as an apprentice hitman for the mob. A distressing incident in his past, combined with a violent alter ego, causes Harry to brutally loose control. Embraced by his mob family when they discover this aptitude, Harry is well on his way to developing his career when he falls in love.

Summary written by Diane Selkirk

This is a bold disturbing film, which means it's not for everyone. It's a mixture of dark comedy and psychological thriller. It's about a young man who is dominated by his mother, and invents an alter ego to deal with his repressed emotions. Along the way he becomes a hitman for the Jewish mob, falls in love, and deals with his very unhealthy relationship with his mother. Norman Reedus and Debbie Harry are both outstanding. --Bill Alward, October 7, 2001