Down by Law (Directed by Jim Jarmusch, 1986)

Take a deadbeat disc jockey, a deadbeat pimp, and a deadbeat tourist and put them in New Orleans. You get the film “Down by Law”. This film is directed and written by acclaimed indie-director Jim Jarmusch. The film starts out with musician/actor Tom Waits, who plays Zack, an arrogant unemployed disc jockey, and a rookie pimp Jack, played by actor John Lurie. Zack gets framed for a murder he didn’t commit, and Jack gets framed for raping a child. The two end up in New Orleans Penitentiary where they become cellmates, and eventually get another cellmate, a spastic Italian tourist, Bob played by Roberto Benigni. This is when the film really shines because you get to see Jarmusch’s charm in the film. Jarmusch is known for developing characters in his films by taking long single shots that last 10 about minutes, so the actors can “become” the characters. You begin to learn about each character’s past, and start having a special bond with the dysfunctional trio. The three begin to plot a way to escape from prison, they do so and become fugitives on the run.

This film is filled with dark comedy, and hilarious conflicts that entwine into the story. One thing that really stands out in “Down by Law” is the cinematography. The shots in the film are beautiful; you could pause any point in the film and the shot looks like a professional photographer took it. The pace through out the beginning of the film has a tendency to drag on at times but as the film progresses it gets better and better. Waits, Lurie, and Benigni’s acting is top notch and since Jarmusch uses long single shots you have a lot of respect for the actor’s talents. The best part of the movie is the ending, but I won’t spoil it. “Down by Law” is a funny, gritty film with bizarre writing and great visuals, Jarmusch really shows his flair in this film.