DOWN BY LAW, the 1986 cult classic, and follow up to Jarmusch’s breakout film Stranger Than Paradise, is an exploration of America from the outside-in. In a prison in Louisiana, three hapless men are brought together by fate – Zack, an out of work disc jockey (Tom Waits), Jack, a small-time pimp (John Lurie), and Roberto, an eccentric Italian tourist (Roberto Benigni). As they become friends Roberto makes a plan for their escape. Described by Jarmusch as “neo-Beat noir comedy” DOWN BY LAW features stellar performances and stunning cinematography by Jarmusch’s long-time collaborator Robby Müller.
In fully re-mastered glory DOWN BY LAW will have a limited run re-release in September, playing as part of the BFI’s “Jim Jarmusch and Friends” season (9 – 12 September, BFI Southbank) as well as other venues across the country. The film will be released digitally on 15 September and will be one of six films to be re-released for the first time in the UK on Blu-ray as part of the JIM JARMUSCH COLLECTION on 6 October. Other films on the box set are Permanent Vacation, Stranger Than Paradise, Mystery Train, Night On Earth and Dead Man.
