IMDb > Down by Law (1986)
Down by Law
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user reviewsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Down by Law (1986) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (See all 21 | slideshow) Videos (see all 3 NEW)
Down by Law -- Jim Jarmusch has his finger on the pulse of unassuming cool with this film about two down on their luck losers who wind up stuck in a jail cell together.
Down by Law -- The story of three different men in a Louisiana prison and their eventual journey.
Down by Law -- CineMagia.ro - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
7.8/10   14,266 votes »
Your Rating:
Saving vote...
Deleting vote...
/10   (delete | history)
Sorry, there was a problem
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 3% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Jim Jarmusch (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Down by Law on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
30 October 1986 (West Germany) See more »
Genre:
Tagline:
It's not where you start - It's where you start again.
Plot:
The story of three different men in a Louisiana prison and their eventual journey. Full summary » | Full synopsis »
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
4 wins & 5 nominations See more »
User Reviews:
Subtle grace masquerades as jail-break film See more (68 total) »

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Tom Waits ... Zack
John Lurie ... Jack

Roberto Benigni ... Roberto

Nicoletta Braschi ... Nicoletta

Ellen Barkin ... Laurette
Billie Neal ... Bobbie
Rockets Redglare ... Gig

Vernel Bagneris ... Preston
Timothea ... Julie
L.C. Drane ... L. C
Joy N. Houck Jr. ... Detective Mandino
Carrie Lindsoe ... Young Girl
Ralph Joseph ... Detective
Richard Boes ... Detective
Dave Petitjean ... Cajun Detective
See more »
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Runtime:
107 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 See more »
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Pruitt Taylor Vince filmed some scenes that were cut before release.See more »
Quotes:
[first lines]
Jack:Julie, what're you doing out here?
Julie:Just watching the light change.
See more »
Movie Connections:
Referenced in O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)See more »
Soundtrack:
Tango Till They're SoreSee more »

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
43 out of 46 people found the following review useful.
Subtle grace masquerades as jail-break film, 27 December 1998
Author: sidereal from New York, NY

One of the most frequently heard criticisms of Jarmusch's work is that the pace is slow. I would like to make a case for patience. After all, if true beauty and grace were delivered in one massive hit, our poor brains and hearts would not withstand the blow. In Down By Law, Jarmusch invites us to take some time, some real time and devote it to getting deeply involved with his characters. Men in crisis. Misfits, jailbirds, heartbreakingly human. We accompany them on their journey, their escape from their confines. It is a truly epic journey on a small geographical scale. We watch as they begin to mirror one another, as their individual egos become inextricably enmeshed in one another. We watch a friendship form. And how can we begrudge the time Jarmusch takes for this glorious exposition? How can we do anything but marvel at the fine detail in which the scenes are drawn, at the subtle movements of our heroes? Every gesture signifies worlds of meaning and consequence. And Jarmusch does it better, with more skill and with more compassion than anyone. If you are prepared to get involved, if you are brave enough to commit to the journey, you will be rewarded with a kind of epiphany that few films can offer.

Was the above review useful to you?
See more (68 total) »

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Down by Law (1986)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
What do you think of the acting? wanbaclone
Geography larrynola
University study of Down By Law: Call for participants downbylaw-study
Did you see the tom waits video in the extras? anaisme
I saw Down by Law for the first time last night and... Wylie-Times
'I am a good egg' zaptista
See more »

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Simple Men My Own Private Idaho The Shawshank Redemption 48 Hrs. Boxcar Bertha
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Comedy section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.