From Street to Screen: Charles Burnett's <i>Killer of Sheep</i>

Killer of Sheep is a 1977 African American film by Charles Burnett. It is a masterpiece of African American cinema that combines harsh images of everyday oppression with scenes of lyrical beauty and stark realism with flights of comic fancy. This book-length collection covers the politics and aesthetics of the film, as well as its deeper social and contextual histories, making it the perfect starting point and standard reference for all viewers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2020
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Charles Burnett's 1977 film, Killer of Sheep, stands as a towering masterpiece in African American cinema. A deliberate counterpoint to the popular blaxploitation films of the era, it seamlessly blends harsh portrayals of the mundane realities of oppression with scenes of lyrical beauty, juxtaposed with depictions of stark realism and flights of comic fancy.

This groundbreaking work is now celebrated in the first book-length collection dedicated to the film, titled "From Street to Screen: Charles Burnett's Killer of Sheep." Designed to introduce viewers to this relatively unknown masterpiece, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the film's politics, aesthetics, and deeper social and contextual histories.

Beginning as Burnett's master's thesis project in 1973, with a budget of just $10,000, Killer of Sheep quickly emerged as a cornerstone of the burgeoning movement in African American film, known variously as the LA School or LA Rebellion. By bringing together a diverse range of material, this volume encompasses the film's political dimensions, its artistic achievements, and its profound impact on the cultural landscape.

As an expansive and incisive critical companion, this book serves as an ideal starting point for viewers familiar with the film and an invaluable reference for those discovering it for the first time. It delves into the intricate details of the production, the creative influences behind it, and the enduring legacy it has left on the world of cinema.

In conclusion, Charles Burnett's Killer of Sheep is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends time and genre. Through its powerful blend of realism, fantasy, and social commentary, the film continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing its status as a cornerstone of African American cinema. "From Street to Screen: Charles Burnett's Killer of Sheep" is a essential resource for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate this remarkable work of art.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253049544