Down by Law (1986)

Two men are framed and sent to jail, where they meet a murderer who helps them escape and leave the state.

Director:

Jim Jarmusch

Writer:

Jim Jarmusch

Stars:

Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni

4 wins & 6 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. More useful to them is the fact that Roberto knows an escape route.

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Plot Keywords:

swamp | prison | pimp | escape from prison | boredom | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to director Jim Jarmusch's DVD commentary, actors Tom Waits and John Lurie often played pranks on Roberto Benigni, heavily relying on his poor command of English.

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Goofs

When Zack comes back for Roberto, he had already been in the water and should be dripping wet. However, he and his clothes are completely dry.

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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 Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Unearthly (1991)

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Soundtracks

Jockey Full of Bourbon
Written and Performed by Tom Waits
from his 'Rain Dogs' album
Courtesy Island Records, Inc.
(opening title)

User Reviews

No action, all mood – but it goes down like a cool beer on a hot summer evening

A cult classic - and yet still relatively little known. Jim Jarmusch is a master when it comes to creating atmosphere (and nobody uses stretches of silence to better comedic effect than he does). Shot in beautiful black and white, this tale of three prisoners who make for very unlikely companions is all mood, deadpan humour and practically no action.

Don't expect a story - just enjoy the ride, the dialogues (consisting mainly of the word 'F***' - unless it's Benigni talking: his chaotic, broken English lines are another highlight of the film) and the fantastic soundtrack by John Lurie and Tom Waits. Perhaps the epitome of a cult movie, this one goes down like a cool beer on a hot summer evening (and as with all cult movies, it is best seen with an audience that already knows and loves the film). A minimalistic comedy masterpiece. 9 stars out of 10.

Favorite Films: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054200841/

Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/

Favorite Low-Budget and B-movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/

Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/

Details

Country:

USA West Germany

Language:

English Italian French

Release Date:

25 September 1986 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Down by Law

Filming Locations:

Slidell, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,100,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$1,435,668

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,504,286

Company Credits

Production Co:

Island Pictures, Black Snake, Grokenberger Film Produktion

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1