Killer of Sheep

Sunday, October 30, 2022

DCP Projection

Burnett’s films focus on everyday life in black communities in a manner rarely in American cinema — combining lyrical elements with a starkly neorealist, documentary-style approach that chronicles the unfolding story with depth and riveting simplicity. In Killer of Sheep, Stan, employed at a slaughterhouse, is suffering from the emotional side effects of his bloody occupation to such a degree that his entire life unhinges. Burnett once said of the film, “[Stan’s] real problems lie within the family, trying to make that work and be a human being. You don’t necessarily win battles; you survive.”

Screening as part of a 7-film retrospective accompanying Elvis Mitchell’s IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU?!?

Previously screened as part of the series Movietown: Los Angeles Plays Itself and Other LA Visions.

• Year 1977
• Running Time 80 minutes
• Distributor Kino Lorber
• Director Charles Burnett
• Accessibility Assistive Listening, T-Coil

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.