I've seen this film twice. I thought it was unwatchable the first time, but based on all the glowing reviews, I had to give it another chance. I have concluded that these reviews are motivated out of a pretentious sense of political correctness. Every positive review comes from some need to relate the plight of the black man. If you want to see life in a downtrodden neighborhood, go visit one. I am sure there is one within a half hour drive of where you live. Set up a camera, let it run for a day, and edit it. There's your movie (make sure it is B&W or it would lose its appeal).
I find it curious that there are very few negative reviews of this film. It doesn't have a conventional plot, and that is OK. The problem is that the film lacks character development or any connection with the audience. The acting is easily the worst I've ever seen. At times, I sincerely thought the actors were intentionally doing a poor job because I couldn't believe what I was watching. If (or when) you see this film, imagine it shot in color. Admittedly, that's not what the director intended, but a film shot in B&W cannot instantly be revealed as garbage with the mere introduction of color. But with Killer of Sheep, the faux sense of art is gone, and the movie is revealed for what it is.
I find it curious that there are very few negative reviews of this film. It doesn't have a conventional plot, and that is OK. The problem is that the film lacks character development or any connection with the audience. The acting is easily the worst I've ever seen. At times, I sincerely thought the actors were intentionally doing a poor job because I couldn't believe what I was watching. If (or when) you see this film, imagine it shot in color. Admittedly, that's not what the director intended, but a film shot in B&W cannot instantly be revealed as garbage with the mere introduction of color. But with Killer of Sheep, the faux sense of art is gone, and the movie is revealed for what it is.