Nicholas M. answered • 02/13/23
College student and aspiring English Language Arts educator.
The film "Killer of Sheep" is a powerful representation of the African American experience. Its central metaphor portrays the weariness and resignation that characterizes working-class individuals residing in Watts, Los Angeles. The protagonist, Stan, embodies this exhaustion through his struggles to support his family and the futility of his labor. The film portrays the black American experience as a soul-crushing and wearying journey.
Regarding the intentions of filmmaker Charles Burnett and the LA Rebellion, they sought to subvert the stereotypical and limited representations of black individuals prevalent in Hollywood. The group aimed to offer a more nuanced and complex model of the black community, reflecting their cultural heritage and experiences.
The style of "Killer of Sheep" reflects these aspirations, as it employs neorealist techniques and a naturalistic approach to storytelling. The film avoids utilizing musical scores, voiceover narration, or conventional plot structures, opting for a fragmented and reflective style that emphasizes the characters' struggles and inner lives.
For instance, in one scene, the film presents a tranquil and almost rural depiction of Watts, rejecting the conventional Hollywood portrayal of crime-ridden inner cities.
Similarly, in another scene, the film utilizes a long take and stationary camera, allowing the characters' actions and interactions to speak for themselves rather than relying on traditional editing techniques. [Insert screenshot here] These stylistic choices reinforce the film's central message and aim to challenge Hollywood representations of black people.
