Killer of Sheep

With an existential and realistic aura, Killer of Sheep records the life of an african-american community in Watts, Los Angeles. It is centred in Stan’s circle, as a slaughterhouse worker suffering the emotional toll of his alienating job. The film dodges traditional narrative structures, choosing to show urban life through different vignettes: observing kids’ entertainment in the streets, criminal temptation, and the slow dancing between Stan and his wife, amongst other quotidian moments. The african-american music prevails across scenes, creating a poetic and emotionally involving atmosphere.

This movie was Burnett’s master project, and counts on his friends and colleagues to complete its cast. Despite its very limited budget and the initial difficulties in securing the soundtrack rights for a broad distribution of the film, it established an internationally respected reputation for the director. Praised by critics for its sensitivity, Burnett’s creation shows an african-american community realistically - free from Hollywood's stereotypes and visual conventions, in an austerely honest portrait.