Review of Down by Law

Introduction

Jim Jarmusch has long been known as one of the best independent directors around, with several cult hits and, more recently, off-beat critical hit ‘Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai’. Down By Law is considered one of his best films and was a success on the Indie scene, being nominated for many awards.

Video

Down By Law was filmed in black and white, and the transfer here does justice to the startling cinematography. Although the film is 15 years old and was made on a small budget, the print retains clarity and has few flecks or marks. There is a little artifacting at points, but nothing to get worried about. This picture is not going to be bettered, so 8/10.

Audio

The original mono soundtrack provided has clear dialogue, which is paramount in a film like this. The soundtrack is outstanding, especially in the superb opening sequence. Regular Jarmusch collaborators John Lurie and Tom Waits, who also play the lead roles Jack and Zack in this film, created all the music. Scores 8/10 for preserving the mono soundtrack, anything else (a DD remix for example) would have butchered it.

Features

Nothing I’m afraid, which to be honest I’m not surprised at all about.

Conclusion

Down by Law is a superb film, which has all the trademark humour, wackiness and cool Jarmusch is famed for. Although perhaps a little slow-paced for some, Down By Law is also a very entertaining and surprisingly tender tale of love and friendship, masquerading as a jailbreak movie. A film that any film fan or arthouse follower to see immediately.