Six Ways to Sunday

Six Ways to Sunday is a 1997 crime drama film directed by Adam Bernstein and based on a novel by Charles Perry. The movie explores the life of Harry Odum, a young, socially awkward 18-year-old boy from a dysfunctional family living in upstate New York.

Harry, played by Norman Reedus, spends his days working odd jobs and dreaming of leaving his small town for a better life. However, he is held back by his overbearing mother Kate, played by Debbie Harry, and her criminal boyfriend, Jerry, played by Adrien Brody.

Kate and Jerry run a petty crime organization, and when Harry is forced to help them with their business, his life takes a dramatic turn for the worse. Harry becomes more involved in the criminal world and begins to lose his grip on reality, leading to a series of violent and tragic events.

The film follows Harry's descent into madness as he struggles to come to terms with his brutal upbringing and his place in the criminal underworld. The character of Harry is nuanced and complex, and Norman Reedus delivers a convincing performance as the troubled young man.

Debbie Harry also gives a strong performance as the manipulative mother who constantly undermines her son's confidence and exploits his vulnerability. Adrien Brody is equally compelling as the menacing and unpredictable Jerry, who exerts a powerful influence over Harry.

The movie's cinematography is another highlight, with stunning visuals capturing the gritty, working-class world of upstate New York. The soundtrack is also worth noting, featuring songs by punk rock legends The Ramones, who hail from the same area as the film's setting.

Throughout the film, there are touches of dark humor that provide a contrast to the bleakness of Harry's life. These moments of levity add depth to the film and help to humanize the characters, making their struggles all the more poignant.

Overall, Six Ways to Sunday is a gripping, character-driven drama that shines a light on the harsh realities of life on the fringes of society. The film explores themes of family dysfunction, identity, and the struggle for personal agency in a world that seems determined to crush the individual spirit.

While the movie may not be for everyone due to its graphic violence and disturbing subject matter, it is a powerful and thought-provoking work that deserves recognition for its raw honesty and uncompromising vision.