10 Writers Pick Films Defining America as Burnett's 1978 'Killer of Sheep' Stands Out
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
10 Writers Pick Films Defining America as Burnett's 1978 'Killer of Sheep' Stands Out
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
Summary
Stephanie Goodman asked 10 writers to name the films that best define America as the country approaches its 250th birthday and remains deeply divided.
Charles Burnett's 1978 "Killer of Sheep" is highlighted through Manohla Dargis's essay as a defining portrait of the nation, set in Watts a decade after unrest and centered on a poor Black family.
Dargis argues the black-and-white film captures both American idealism and broken promises, using images of scarred neighborhoods and a slaughterhouse worker father to reflect wider national truths.
Her reading also ties the film to American history through Paul Robeson's "The House I Live In," while the broader project spans choices from blockbusters and indies to comedy, Italian drama and a recent Oscar nominee.