Episode 357: DOWN BY LAW (1986)

It doesn’t take long for DOWN BY LAW to switch modes, from a grimy, somewhat self-serious noir to an acerbic, straight-faced prison break comedy. Radio DJ Zack (Tom Waits) and low-rent pimp Jack (John Lurie) share a cell in Louisiana after being framed for separate crimes. Instead of really coming together, they both kinda stick to their tough guy personas until Roberto (Roberto Benigni), a silly Italian manslaughterer, makes them an unlikely trio.

References:

• “The Breathless Loitering of Down By Law” by Ryan Sanderson for Perisphere, the Trylon blog

• “The Lyrical Loneliness of Down By Law” by Jackson Stearn for Perisphere, the Trylon blog

• "Memories of Summer" — Harry Mackin's essay on HIS MOTORBIKE, HER ISLAND for Perisphere, the Trylon blog

• Give to the Trylon’s Film Forever Fund so they never have to increase ticket prices!

• Check the calendar, preview upcoming series, and buy tickets

• Contribute to Perisphere, the Trylon blog

#TomWaitsForNoMan #35mm

Follow us on Twitter at @trylovepodcast, Bluesky at @trylovepodca.st, and email us at