When fate lands three hapless men—an unemployed disc jockey (Tom Waits), a small-time pimp (John Lurie), and a strong-willed Italian tourist (Roberto Benigni)—in a Louisiana prison, their singular adventure begins.
Described by director Jim Jarmusch as a “neo-beat-noir-comedy,” Down by Law is part nightmare and part fairy tale, featuring fine performances and crisp black-and-white photography by esteemed cinematographer Robby Müller. -- The Criterion Collection
Cast:Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Ellen Barkin, Billie Neal, Rockets Redglare, Vernel Bagneris, Timothea, L.C. Drane
Cannes (In competition)
Read about this film
Title: Down by Law (1986)
Directed by: Jim Jarmusch
Date of birth: 22 January 1953, Akron, Ohio, USA
Writing credits:
Jim Jarmusch
Music by: John Lurie, Tom Waits, Tom Lazarus
Country: United State
Language: English | Italian
Color: Black & White
Runtime: 107 min.