Charles Burnett Masterpiece KILLER OF SHEEP on TCM tonight

I saw this film about 20 years ago in an old now defunked rep house and thought it may be the single greatest "unknown" film I've ever seen. Around the same time the AFI selected it for its film registry -- probably still the most obscure title to receive that honor. TCM fills out the evening with several of Burnett's shorts and a lesser known feature.

Watch if you can.

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Updated On: 1/21/08 at 11:58 AM

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Tuning in now...

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Well, I'm 15 minutes into it, and already I'm hooked and loving it.

Why don't filmmakers "use" B&W anymore? Not just for "graphic novels." It can be so effective.

Already I see shades of Fellini, Cocteau and Scorsese, filtered through a new story, era, and culture... and that ain't a bad thing. In fact, it's pretty remarkable.

Criterion seriously needs to get their hands on this.

Thanking you, Margo.

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Just did.


I have to say, I'm also loving the use of "source" music in this film.

Very effective. That little girl playing with her white doll singing "Reasons" was terrific.

So was "The House I Live In" (not exactly Sinatra's original version---In fact, I don't know who was singing it, but GREAT.)

Right now? Nancy Wilson. Perfection.

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