Directed by Jim Jarmusch • 1986 • United States
Starring Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni
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.
In this audio piece, recorded by the Criterion Collection in 2002, director Jim Jarmusch discusses the making of DOWN BY LAW and reminisces about the experiences of the cast and crew, on and off the set.
This interview with DOWN BY LAW cinematographer Robby Müller was recorded at the Hortus Botanical Garden in Amsterdam in 2002.