Down by Law (1986) 7.9
The story of three different men in a Louisiana prison and their eventual journey. Director:Jim JarmuschWriter:Jim Jarmusch |
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Down by Law (1986) 7.9
The story of three different men in a Louisiana prison and their eventual journey. Director:Jim JarmuschWriter:Jim Jarmusch |
|
Watch Trailer 0Share... |
Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Tom Waits | ... | ||
John Lurie | ... |
Jack
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Roberto Benigni | ... | ||
Nicoletta Braschi | ... |
Nicoletta
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Ellen Barkin | ... | ||
Billie Neal | ... |
Bobbie
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Rockets Redglare | ... |
Gig
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Vernel Bagneris | ... |
Preston
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Timothea | ... |
Julie
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L.C. Drane | ... |
L.C.
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Joy N. Houck Jr. | ... |
Detective Mandino
(as Joy Houck Jr.)
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Carrie Lindsoe | ... |
Young Girl
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Ralph Joseph | ... |
Detective
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Richard Boes | ... |
Detective
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Dave Petitjean | ... |
Cajun Detective
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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 Written by Michael Brooke <michael@everyman.demon.co.uk>
Jim Jarmusch trusts his camera, his directing, his writing, and most of all his performers. This is a gem of a film, without pretense. The story and film just move, sluggishly chugging forward to an ending that is really more of a dissolve. The story is ultimately of little importance, just enough movement to show us a bit of the big jokester in the skies irony. I was struck by the similarity's to Dead Man, similarities quite aside the black and white photography. The enigmatic character at the center, the drifting in and out of the main characters, the use of the boat, the disposal of the usual plot devices, the cutting away of obvious scenes (like the "how' of the escape) I wish more films displayed this sort of ease with themselves. Great stuff, 8/10.