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Down by Law (1986)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Jim Jarmusch (written by)
Release Date:
30 October 1986 (West Germany)
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Tagline:
It's not where you start - It's where you start again.
Plot:
The story of three different men in a Louisiana prison and their eventual journey. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
4 wins
&
5 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(6 articles)
Film review: The Limits of Control
(From The Guardian - Film News. 10 December 2009, 4:05 PM, PST)
Tom Waits to star in The Hobbit?
(From The Guardian - Film News. 8 December 2009, 3:21 AM, PST)
(From The Guardian - Film News. 10 December 2009, 4:05 PM, PST)
Tom Waits to star in The Hobbit?
(From The Guardian - Film News. 8 December 2009, 3:21 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Subtle grace masquerades as jail-break film
more (67 total)
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 | |
| Carrie Lindsoe | ... | Young Girl | |
| Ralph Joseph | ... | Detective | |
| Richard Boes | ... | Detective | |
| Dave Petitjean | ... | Cajun Detective |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
107 min
Country:
Colour:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:L |
Singapore:NC-16 |
Finland:K-12 |
Norway:16 |
Sweden:15 |
UK:15 |
USA:R |
West Germany:12 |
Australia:M
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Jim Jarmusch had intended that the shack that the fugitives find refuge in after escaping prison would have bunk beds, so as to make it look exactly like the prison cell. Incredibly, they found a shack were two bunk beds were already standing, so no extra furniture had to be added.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in Mystery Train (1989)
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Soundtrack:
It's Raining
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (67 total)
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One of the most frequently heard criticisms of Jarmusch's work is that the pace is slow. I would like to make a case for patience. After all, if true beauty and grace were delivered in one massive hit, our poor brains and hearts would not withstand the blow. In Down By Law, Jarmusch invites us to take some time, some real time and devote it to getting deeply involved with his characters. Men in crisis. Misfits, jailbirds, heartbreakingly human. We accompany them on their journey, their escape from their confines. It is a truly epic journey on a small geographical scale. We watch as they begin to mirror one another, as their individual egos become inextricably enmeshed in one another. We watch a friendship form. And how can we begrudge the time Jarmusch takes for this glorious exposition? How can we do anything but marvel at the fine detail in which the scenes are drawn, at the subtle movements of our heroes? Every gesture signifies worlds of meaning and consequence. And Jarmusch does it better, with more skill and with more compassion than anyone. If you are prepared to get involved, if you are brave enough to commit to the journey, you will be rewarded with a kind of epiphany that few films can offer.