Down by Law was suggested by our member Paul Redgrave, who writes: ‘Great performances from Tom Waits and Roberto Benigni. The film looks great thanks to cinematographer Robby Müller who worked with Wim Wenders on films including The American Friend and the 1984 Palme d’Or winner Paris Texas and Jarmusch's own Mystery Train. It sounds great thanks to the queen of New Orleans soul Irma Thomas on the soundtrack along with Tom Waits, and includes the most hilarious prison riot sequence ever filmed.’
Director Jim Jarmusch followed up his brilliant breakout film Stranger Than Paradise with another, equally beloved portrait of loners and misfits in the American landscape. When fate brings together 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, a singular adventure ensues. Described by Jarmusch as a 'neo-Beat noir comedy', Down by Law is part nightmare and part fairy tale, featuring sterling performances and crisp black-and-white cinematography by the esteemed Robby Müller.
Please note, the screening on Wednesday 4 November is our free members’ screening, whilst Monday 9 November is a regular screening, which is open to the general public.
