# Down by Law

> 1986 film by Jim Jarmusch

**Wikidata**: [Q192409](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192409)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_by_Law_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/down-by-law

## Summary
Down by Law is a 1986 independent film directed by Jim Jarmusch, blending elements of comedy, drama, and prison escape narratives. The film follows three unlikely cellmates—a disc jockey, a pimp, and an Italian tourist—who form an alliance to escape from a Louisiana prison. It is notable for its deadpan humor, minimalist style, and eclectic soundtrack featuring Tom Waits and John Lurie.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: December 25, 1986 (U.S. premiere), with earlier releases in September and October 1986
- **Director**: Jim Jarmusch
- **Production Company**: Island Alive (a division of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment)
- **Genre**: Comedy-drama, prison film, road movie, independent film
- **Runtime**: 107 minutes
- **Budget**: $1.2 million
- **Box Office**: $1.5 million (domestic)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Language**: English (with Italian dialogue)
- **Cast**: Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni
- **Soundtrack**: Composed by John Lurie, featuring Tom Waits
- **IMDb ID**: tt0090967
- **Wikipedia Title**: Down by Law (film)
- **Sitelink Count**: 39 Wikipedia language editions
- **Awards**: Received critical acclaim and festival recognition (specific awards not detailed in source)

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Down by Law?**
Down by Law follows three men—Zack (Tom Waits), a laid-off DJ; Jack (John Lurie), a pimp; and Bob (Roberto Benigni), an Italian tourist—who are wrongfully imprisoned in Louisiana. The film chronicles their unlikely friendship and eventual escape from jail, blending humor with existential themes.

**Who directed Down by Law and what is his style?**
The film was directed by Jim Jarmusch, known for his minimalist, deadpan style and focus on character-driven narratives. His work often features non-linear storytelling, eclectic soundtracks, and a blend of comedy and drama.

**What genres does Down by Law belong to?**
Down by Law is classified as a comedy-drama, prison film, road movie, and independent film. It combines elements of humor, drama, and adventure, with a focus on character relationships and escape narratives.

**Who are the main actors in Down by Law?**
The film stars Tom Waits as Zack, John Lurie as Jack, and Roberto Benigni as Bob. All three actors were frequent collaborators with Jim Jarmusch, and their performances are central to the film's unique tone.

**What is the significance of the soundtrack?**
The soundtrack, composed by John Lurie and featuring Tom Waits, is integral to the film's atmosphere. It blends jazz, blues, and experimental music, reflecting the film's eclectic and offbeat style.

**Where was Down by Law filmed?**
The film was shot on location in Louisiana, capturing the state's distinctive landscapes and atmosphere, which contribute to the film's mood and setting.

**What is the runtime and budget of Down by Law?**
The film has a runtime of 107 minutes and was made on a modest budget of $1.2 million, typical for independent films of the era.

**How was Down by Law received by critics and audiences?**
Down by Law received critical acclaim for its unique style, performances, and soundtrack. It has since become a cult classic and is considered one of Jim Jarmusch's most beloved films.

## Why It Matters
Down by Law matters as a quintessential example of 1980s independent American cinema, showcasing Jim Jarmusch's distinctive voice and approach to storytelling. The film's blend of humor, drama, and existential themes, combined with its minimalist style and eclectic soundtrack, helped define the independent film movement of the era. It also launched Roberto Benigni to international fame and solidified the collaborative relationships between Jarmusch, Waits, and Lurie. The film's influence can be seen in later independent and art-house films that prioritize character, atmosphere, and unconventional narratives over mainstream appeal.

## Notable For
- **Independent Spirit**: Made on a modest budget, exemplifying the creativity and resourcefulness of independent filmmaking
- **Cult Status**: Has achieved enduring popularity and critical acclaim, becoming a touchstone for fans of independent cinema
- **Soundtrack**: Features an iconic, genre-blending score by John Lurie and Tom Waits
- **Cast**: Stars Tom Waits, John Lurie, and Roberto Benigni, all of whom became closely associated with Jarmusch's work
- **Style**: Embodies Jarmusch's signature minimalist, deadpan approach to storytelling
- **Cultural Impact**: Helped launch Roberto Benigni's international career and influenced subsequent independent filmmakers
- **Genre Blending**: Seamlessly combines elements of comedy, drama, prison escape, and road movie genres

## Body
### Production and Release
Down by Law was produced by Island Alive, a division of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, and released in 1986. The film had multiple release dates, with its U.S. premiere on December 25, 1986, and earlier screenings in September and October of the same year. It was made on a budget of $1.2 million and grossed $1.5 million domestically, typical for independent films of the time.

### Creative Team
The film was written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, a leading figure in American independent cinema. Jarmusch is known for his minimalist, character-driven narratives and eclectic soundtracks. The film's soundtrack was composed by John Lurie, who also starred in the film, and featured music by Tom Waits, another star of the film. This collaboration between Jarmusch, Waits, and Lurie became a hallmark of Jarmusch's early work.

### Cast and Characters
The film stars Tom Waits as Zack, a laid-off disc jockey; John Lurie as Jack, a pimp; and Roberto Benigni as Bob, an Italian tourist. All three actors were frequent collaborators with Jarmusch, and their performances are central to the film's unique tone and humor. Roberto Benigni's role in particular helped launch him to international fame.

### Genre and Style
Down by Law is classified as a comedy-drama, prison film, road movie, and independent film. It blends elements of humor, drama, and adventure, with a focus on character relationships and escape narratives. The film is notable for its deadpan humor, minimalist style, and use of Louisiana's distinctive landscapes to create atmosphere.

### Soundtrack and Music
The soundtrack, composed by John Lurie, is integral to the film's atmosphere. It blends jazz, blues, and experimental music, reflecting the film's eclectic and offbeat style. Tom Waits also contributed to the soundtrack, further cementing the collaborative relationship between the film's creative team.

### Reception and Legacy
Down by Law received critical acclaim for its unique style, performances, and soundtrack. It has since become a cult classic and is considered one of Jim Jarmusch's most beloved films. The film's influence can be seen in later independent and art-house films that prioritize character, atmosphere, and unconventional narratives over mainstream appeal.

### Cultural and Industry Impact
The film helped define the independent film movement of the 1980s, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness possible outside the major studio system. It also played a significant role in launching the international careers of its cast, particularly Roberto Benigni. Down by Law remains a touchstone for fans of independent cinema and continues to be studied and celebrated for its innovative approach to storytelling and genre blending.

## References

1. Swedish Film Database
2. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090967/)
3. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film425271.html)
4. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/poza-prawem-1986)
5. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=2076.html)
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090967/fullcredits)
7. [Source](http://cdn-media.festival-cannes.com/pdf/0001/45/750eaa1e2a91b553a4291ba2c6a72c9005e5bdc6.pdf)
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. The Movie Database
10. Down by Law
11. Down by Law. Rotten Tomatoes
12. [Source](http://www.zelluloid.de/filme/index.php3?id=2186)
13. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090967/releaseinfo/)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Mubi
16. [Source](https://www.filmratings.com/Search?filmTitle=Down+by+Law)
17. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090967/parentalguide)
18. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0090967/)
19. [BBFC database](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/down-by-law-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zmzcwmjq)
20. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/down-by-law/)
21. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
22. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
23. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2021&s_month=6&e_year=2021&e_month=6&pageID=1)
24. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/62105)
25. Online-Filmdatenbank
26. Australian Classification database
27. [Source](https://www.kmrb.or.kr/data/searchMovieView.do?rcv_no=2007355)
28. Bechdel Test Movie List
29. mymovies.it
30. Danish Film Database
31. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/92302)
32. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/82357)
33. Trakt.tv
34. FilmVandaag.nl