Killer of Sheep

“Like a slow crescendo, Killer of Sheep
became one of L.A. Rebellion’s most widely celebrated films over the course of
many years….The focus is slaughterhouse worker Stan (novelist, playwright, and
actor Henry Gayle Sanders) whose dispiriting job wears him down, alienates him
from his family, and becomes an unspoken metaphor for the ongoing pressures of
economic malaise. Burnett finds lyricism by combining quotidian images — children
playing on rooftops or Stan and his wife slow-dancing in their living room — with
a highly evocative soundtrack of African American music.”

— UCLA Film and Television Archive

Restored by UCLA Film & Television Archive.

Film Details

Country: USA
Language: English
Year: 1978
Running time: 80 min
Format: 35 mm
Director: Charles Burnett
Screenwriters: Charles Burnett
Producer: Charles Burnett
Cinematographer: Charles Burnett
Editor: Charles Burnett
Source: UCLA Film & Television Archive

Films and schedules may be subject to change.

Modern Cinema’s Founding Supporters are Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein. Generous support is provided by Nion McEvoy and the Susan Wildberg Morgenstein Fund.

Community support for Black Powers: Reframing Hollywood is provided by the Museum of the African Diaspora.