Down by Law

( 6 )

Overview

Though not as critically successful as his debut, Stranger Than Paradise, director Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law is a worthy follow-up in a similar vein. It features the same deliberate rhythm, off-beat characters, deadpan humor, and emphasis on photography (by the famed German cinematographer Robby Müller). Willfully original and intensely independent, the typical Jarmusch film isn't a product that mainstream audiences are likely to enjoy. He combines his enigmatic characters with the esoteric pacing and ...
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Overview

Though not as critically successful as his debut, Stranger Than Paradise, director Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law is a worthy follow-up in a similar vein. It features the same deliberate rhythm, off-beat characters, deadpan humor, and emphasis on photography (by the famed German cinematographer Robby Müller). Willfully original and intensely independent, the typical Jarmusch film isn't a product that mainstream audiences are likely to enjoy. He combines his enigmatic characters with the esoteric pacing and sensibility of his peer, Wim Wenders. Down By Law is slightly more accessible than Wenders' films, however, due to the slapstick presence of Roberto Benigni. Benigni's staccato voice and mincing of English clichés are very funny, though Jarmusch occassionally lets him run on too long. Luckily, the director keeps the rest of the film generally obtuse, uncertain and interesting. Brendon Hanley
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Special Features

Audio Interview with Jarmusch from 2002; Interview with Director of Photography Robby Müller from 2002; Footage from the 1986 Cannes Film Festival, including a press conference with Jarmusch and actors John Lurie, featuring Commentary; ; Sixteen Outtakes; Music Video for Tom Waits'' cover of Cole Porter''s "It''s All Right With Me," directed by Jarmusch; ; Q&A with Jarmusch in which he responds to fans'' questions; ; Recordings of phone conversations between Jarmusch and Waits, Benigni, and Lurie; ; Production Polaroids and location stills; Trailer; Isolated Music Track; Optional French dub track, featuring Benigni; ; Plus: An essay by critic Luc Sante
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Gregory Baird
Infused with the hip, deadpan charm that is his trademark, indie auteur Jim Jarmusch's second film is a sly, understated comic gem. Set in Louisiana, the slim story concerns a pimp John Lurie, an out-of-work radio DJ Tom Waits, and an Italian expatriate Roberto Benigni who become friends while sharing a jail cell, but the plot is almost beside the point. Down by Law revels in its offbeat characters and their tentative stabs at friendship in long scenes that capture the poetry of everyday life. Waits and Lurie ooze their distinctive downtown charisma, but it's the Italian comic superstar Benigni who provides the film's real spark. His character's broken, phrasebook English and puppy-dog lovability steal the show, holding the film's unlikely trio together through a handful of not particularly harrowing adventures in the Louisiana bayous. As with all Jarmusch films, the whole is much, much more than the sum of its parts. Robby Müller's starkly gorgeous black-and-white cinematography, Lurie's restrained and bluesy score, and Waits's songs combine to create a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's ultra-dry humor. The result is an odd blend of character study and fairy tale with a sneaky allegorical resonance that is uniquely Jarmusch and completely captivating.
All Movie Guide
Though not as critically successful as his debut, Stranger Than Paradise, director Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law is a worthy follow-up in a similar vein. It features the same deliberate rhythm, off-beat characters, deadpan humor, and emphasis on photography (by the famed German cinematographer Robby Müller). Willfully original and intensely independent, the typical Jarmusch film isn't a product that mainstream audiences are likely to enjoy. He combines his enigmatic characters with the esoteric pacing and sensibility of his peer, Wim Wenders. Down By Law is slightly more accessible than Wenders' films, however, due to the slapstick presence of Roberto Benigni. Benigni's staccato voice and mincing of English clichés are very funny, though Jarmusch occassionally lets him run on too long. Luckily, the director keeps the rest of the film generally obtuse, uncertain and interesting.
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • Release Date: 7/17/2012
  • UPC: 715515068611
  • Original Release: 1986

    • Rating:

  • Source: Criterion
  • Presentation: Wide Screen / Subtitled / B&W
  • Time: 1:47:00
  • Format: Blu-ray
  • Sales rank: 25,793

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Tom Waits Zack
John Lurie Jack
Roberto Benigni Roberto
Nicoletta Braschi Nicoletta
Ellen Barkin Laurette
Vernel Bagneris Preston
Richard Boes Detective
Adam Cohen Uniformed Cop
David Dahlgren Guard
L.C. Drane L.C.
Jay Hilliar Guard
Joy N. Houck Jr. Detective Mandino
Ralph Joseph Detective
Eliott Keener Guard
Alan Kleinberg Corpse
Carrie Lindsoe Young Girl
Alex Miller Guard
Billie Neal Bobbie
David Petitjean Cajun Detective
Rockets Redglare Gig
Archie Sampier Prisoner
Timothea Julie
Technical Credits
Jim Jarmusch Director, Screenwriter
Cary Brokaw Executive Producer
Claire Denis Asst. Director
Otto Grokenberger Executive Producer
Jim Stark Co-producer
Alan Kleinberg Producer
Melody London Editor
John Lurie Score Composer
Donita Miller Makeup
Robby Müller Cinematographer
Naomi Neville Songwriter
Tom Rothman Co-producer
Russell Schwartz Executive Producer
Rudd Simmons Production Manager
Tom Waits Songwriter
Carol Wood Costumes/Costume Designer
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 6 )
Rating Distribution

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(6)

4 Star

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Sort by: Showing all of 6 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    My favorite movie

    I saw New Orleans after I had seen this movie and I am sure I saw more because of it. Great film and great music. It's Raining sung by Irma Thomas written by Naomi Neville (Allen Toussaint) is a gem in this movie and available on a great CD from Charly - Soul. I got to know New Orleans, Irma Thomas and Allen Tossaint - all from this movie. See it.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A reviewer

    It's an interesting premise with three convicted criminals sitting in a cell. Nothing happened that was suggestible in any jail parlance, so don't worry. What is implied by the film and the prison is life is ultimately about dealing with boredom and how boredom can break down those coveted relationships we have.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Also my favorite movie

    With a cast of Tom Waits, John Lurie and Roberto Benigni, direction by Jim Jarmusch, and music by Tom Waits and John Lurie, there is not really a way this could be a bad movie. Tom Waits' and John Lurie's music fits perfectly into the grimey after-hours New Orleans setting, and Roberto Benigni, (always the confused Italian tourist) brings some heartwarming humor to the table. After all three escape from a Louisiana prison, they are left to their own wits traversing the bayou with little idea where they are. In beautiful black and white, this movie is unbeatable on all fronts. With beat generation coolness and noir influences, Down By Law cannot be missed.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 17, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

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    Posted June 30, 2010

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 20, 2008

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Sort by: Showing all of 6 Customer Reviews