Killer of Sheep

The tender, witty and affectionate tale of a disillusioned slaughterhouse worker, and the solace to be found in the simplest moments of life.

Killer of Sheep is an undisputed masterpiece of African-American filmmaking and one of the most poetic, perceptive dramas ever made about family and community. This acclaimed tale of a disillusioned slaughterhouse worker, and the solace to be found in the simplest moments of life, is tender, witty and affectionate. With lovely neorealist photography – capturing the long, hot days of 1970s Los Angeles – and a gorgeous blues soundtrack (Dinah Washington, Paul Robeson and Little Walter all feature) the film has a quiet emotional power. It received widespread critical acclaim following its recent rediscovery and restoration.

Killer of Sheep was one of the first films selected by the Library of Congress for their prestigious National Film Registry, for its cultural significance and artistic importance.

“One of the greatest unseen American movies.” The Guardian

Special features

  • Exclusive new 20 minute interview with Charles Burnett.
  • Feature commentary with Charles Burnett and Richard Pea (Programme Director of the Film Society of Lincoln Centre).
  • Burnett early shorts: Several Friends (1969, 21 min) and The Horse (1973, 13 min).
  • Fully illustrated booklet.
     

Product information

    • Certificate

      15

    • Colour

      Black/white

    • Sound

      Sound

    • Running time

      77mins

    • Subtitles

      English for the hard-of-hearing

    • Original aspect ratio

      1.33:1

    • DVD region

      • 2 Europe (except Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus), Middle East, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Greenland, French Overseas departments and territories

    • Catalogue number

      BFIVD716

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