Down By Law [VHS]
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VHS Movie Reviews of Down By Law [VHS]
Movie Review: A fine work of the independent American scene which unexpectedly evolves from drama to absurdism
Summary: 4 Stars
Jim Jarmusch's DOWN BY LAW is one of the arthouse productions that the American director made his name with in the 1980s. As the film opens, we see how a small-town pimp (John Lurie) and an itinerant DJ (Tom Waits) get themselves arrested after they've each accepted a job from a seedy friend. They subsequently end up sharing a jail cell, into which one day an Italian immigrant (Roberto Benigni) is also placed. The plot of the film is the developing camaraderie between these three men. The Italian's bumbling antics act initially aggrevate his cellmates -- Benigni's role serve as comic relief against the morose behavior of the other two characters. DOWN BY LAW begins as a drama portraying the underbelly of a Louisiana town, but by the end it has transformed into absurdist comedy.
Lurie's acting is fine, representing his character convincingly as a pathetic d-bag. Benigni might seem like he's playing himself, but his English is reputedly much better than the broken phrases he offers in the film. Nicoletta Braschi appears as the Italian's love interest, a role that must have been easy to play since Benigni and her are married in real life. I've never thought Tom Waits was a great actor, however.
This is an entertaining film, with many fine touches. If I rate it less than a full five stars, it's just because I can't completely get into these black and white portrayals of contemporary lowlifes (I have a problem with early Kaurismaki for the same reason--his aesthetic was very similar to Jarmusch's.)
Movie Review: amazing movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
Jim Jarmusch is a genius. This is by far my favorite of all his movies. All three actors give their characters life, and the story puts the viewer through a series of emotions. At times I laughed, at times I cried. This is one that I can watch again and again.Movie Review: Tom Waits at his best
Summary: 5 Stars
This DVD was purchased as a gift for a friend who is a moviemaker. It is a must see for Tom Waits fans as he is the writer, director, and producer. He also wrote the music of course. This film contains one of the best male/female fight scenes. Ellen Arkin (Loretta) gives an over-the-top performance when she starts throwing Tom Waites (Zack's) worldly possessions out the window. This little low-budget film is a comic masterpeice of epic proportions.Movie Review: Melancholy delight
Summary: 4 Stars
This won a lot of raves when it came out. As usual, not much happens. But you get a lot of profound, elongated moments when meaningful glances are made that seem to add up to more than they appear. They don't, but it's fun to watch a young Tom Waits. Great soundtrack, as usual. Pretty silly, really. Especially the Italian restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Many extras for buffs only, though the phone interview of Tom Waits is funny.Movie Review: Summertime, and the livin's not easy
Summary: 5 Stars
This b&w treasure, starring a very young (and ALWAYS fabulous) Tom Waits & Roberto Benigni, features a brief bit at the beginning showcasing the talent of an equally young (playing totally crazed) Ellen Barkin. The action takes place in & around New Orleans and the Bayou, with a fair section set in the Orleans Parish Prison, where, more than ever actually planning an escape, Waits (Zach), Benigni (Bob), and John Lurie (Jack) build a working relationship. Unlikely? Maybe. Dysfunctional? Definitely. Entertaining? Always.
The first half may seem a little slow paced to some; if one is a bit patient, the film is WELL worth it. The music is low-key jazz with Tom Waits singing, and the atmosphere pure poverty-stricken, stifling, Southern summer.