Friday, July 06, 2007

Killer of Sheep

An intimate look at the state of the African American family in Watts in the late 70s. Made in 1973, the feeling is absolutely authentic and I thought at first we might be watching a documentary. Kids throw dirt in empty lots, hair picks are thrust crookedly into afros and the suits are spectacular. What's even more amazing is that Charles Burnett made this film while at UCLA for a budget of $5000. True independent film at its core.

The title character is a father, husband and friend and we watch has he moves through each of his roles in a slow and seemingly despondent manner. By day he works in a slaughter house, by night he can't sleep. He is tired and still must face the hardships he and his circle of friends and family are met with every day.

Cinematically, this is a hard film. Intense shot cuts from the slaughterhouse to the kids, the dozens of kids, who are the next generation to struggle. However, there is hope. His wife and kids love him. Friends become pregnant and are happy about it -- life carries on despite it all.

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