CHARLES BURNETT

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBB.5. 

USA, 1978.  Screenplay by Charles Burnett.  Cinematography by Charles Burnett.  Produced by Charles Burnett.  Film Editing by Charles Burnett.  

Milestone in independent filmmaking that has recently been restored and rediscovered, this early feature by Charles Burnett was the beginning of a very successful career.  Its loose plot is about a family in Los Angeles whose father is a worker at a sheep slaughterhouse. His life is a forward-marching drill of repetitive duties except for the few moments he finds enjoyment in with his family, dancing with his wife, disciplining his children, or spending time with his friends. It’s sometimes too easily paced to keep your full attention, but Burnett was obviously a genius image maker from the beginning and many of the scenes have poetic resonance.