Down by law (1986)

	Also Known As: -
	Year of first release: 1986
	Director: Jim Jarmush
	Actors: Roberto Benigni, John Lurie, Tom Waits
	Country: USA
	Genre: Drama
	Conditions of visioning: 16.07.2014, Schauburg, OV
Synopsis: Three men get in jail somewhere in Louisiana for different reasons. DJ Zack (Waits) and pimp Jack (Lurie) end up in prison for being too laid-back to avoid being framed for crimes they didn't commit. They end up sharing a cell with eccentric Italian optimist Roberto (Benigni), whose limited command of the English language is both entertaining and infuriating. They find an escape and have to live together for a while.
Review: In July, there is Das Arthausfestival, a serie of relatively old movies shown in remastered quality in the movie theaters of Bremen. The first movie I see is this one. The story sets first the background of the three guys with good dialogues. Once they all meet in prison the story is clearly dominated by the amazing Roberto Benigni's acting as the others are not talking much. Even if both others have very good charisma, besides Benigni, one notice only their looks. Their authentic look is enhanced by the black and white picture giving even more personality to their faces. Quite often, there are pictures being very funny from the situation point of view even if the story itself is then dramatic. This gives a kind of ambiguity that I find very interesting.
Rating: 6 /10