Down by Law (1986)

The story of three different men in a Louisiana prison and their eventual journey.

Director:

Jim Jarmusch

Writer:

Jim Jarmusch

Stars:

Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni

4 wins & 5 nominations.

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 (as Joy Houck Jr.)
Carrie Lindsoe	...	Young Girl
Ralph Joseph	...	Detective
Richard Boes	...	Detective
Dave Petitjean	...	Cajun Detective

Storyline

DJ Zack and pimp Jack end up in prison for being too laid-back to avoid being framed for crimes they didn't commit. They end up sharing a cell with eccentric Italian optimist Roberto, whose limited command of the English language is both entertaining and infuriating -but rather more useful to them is the fact that Roberto knows an escape route

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Plot Keywords:

prison | louisiana | escape | pimp | disc jockey | 

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Taglines:

It's not where you start - It's where you start again.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA West Germany

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

30 October 1986 (West Germany)

Also Known As:

Bajo el peso de la ley

Filming Locations:

Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,100,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$1,436,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Black Snake, Grokenberger Film Produktion, Island Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Roberto Benigni's line "It's a sad and beautiful world" was the result of a misunderstanding. The script read "That's sad and beautiful music", but Benigni said "It's a sad and beautiful word", but Waits and Jarmusch misheard it and though he said "WORLD", and so, the line stuck.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Jack: Julie, what're you doing out here?
Julie: Just watching the light change.

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Connections

Referenced in New York at the Movies (2002)

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Soundtracks

"Tango Till They're Sore"
Written and Performed by Tom Waits
from his 'Rain Dogs' album
Courtesy Island Records, Inc.
(end title)

User Reviews

Intricate filmmaking, a masterpiece

Down by Law is a film that has mesmerized me for years. The first time I saw it, it sunk into me like the smile from a homeless person. It told me something I should've already known.

I've heard people use the word "quirky", when drawing comparisons to a Jarmusch character, but, I like the phrase: "Spot On". He has captured man's fear within himself, and, the ability to hide that fear. It takes a director of great courage and knowledge of self to pull that one off without boring you.

If you're a fan of Joel Schumaucher or James Cameron, this is not the film for you. But if your a fan of people, and, the human condition, the mirror reflects back, 2 hours at a time, and Jarmusch is right behind it.