A few weeks ago I happened upon this scene on TCM (Turner Classic Movies) during an Australian Open commercial break, and found myself mesmerized. I guessed -- and turned out to be right -- that it was from Charles Burnett's film "Killer of Sheep," which I wrote about last June when it was being screened at the E Street Cinema. I taped it when it reran late that night, and finally watched it last night (knee surgery recovery is great for catching up on movies). It's a short movie (only about an hour and 20 minutes), and not much happens, though there's a dread of tragedy hanging over it. It is a powerfully touching and sad portrait of ordinary people in a certain place and time. Check out reviews at metacritic. Here, now, are three ways you can see it too.
First, the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring is showing it tomorrow (Wednesday) night at 6:30 pm as part of its screening of Burnett's films. If you can't make it then, Burnett's later movie, "My Brother's Wedding," will run this Saturday through Monday evenings, his short films on February 23-24, and "Bless Their Little Hearts" on March 1, 2, and 5. See the full AFI schedule here.
Second, unlike when I wrote about it last fall, the film is finally available on DVD. You can rent both "Killer of Sheep" and "My Brother's Wedding" on Netflix.
Finally, TCM will be airing "Killer of Sheep" again on April 20 at 4:00 am. Can't think that far ahead? You can sign up for an email reminder.
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