Killer of Sheep (1978): A

Comprised of a series of vignettes weaved together like a book of poetry, Killer of Sheep is anchored by both a place (Watts LA area) and a person (Stan, played by Henry G. Sanders). Stan’s crappy job at a slaughterhouse has killed his spirit. He’s kind, but exhausted and filled with a haunting ennui that threatens his marriage. Music permeates this slice-of-life masterpiece in sudden and surprising ways, lending magic to even the simplest moments (but the quiet ones are also soaked with meaning and beauty). Burnett’s first major work is gorgeous, sad, and raw, but not without hope.

 Michael Seymour Blake, Guest Contributor