Review of Down by Law (1986) by Benjamin W — 29 Jul 2012
9.5/10. One of my favorite prison films. Probably the most artistic. There is so much to complement with the cinematography. Anyway, I love how each scene is taken with long shots and the camera is just put in a place to observe everything that will happen during that scene, like a lot of great Jarmusch films.
The film is more bold than Jarmusch's bleak style, but it's story is so enjoyable, that most audiences wouldn't notice. He tells the story with gliding past things that other writers would take time to think of something original.
But, he just says "These things don't matter in this film, so why try". A prime example would be the prison escape. The reason that these things don't matter is because the film runs entire on the characters.
Really, it completely does. That is the thing that people somewhat don't realize, is that the characters are what they are enjoying so much about this film. It's concept and way of it wanting to be told does limit the film to achieve the title of a masterpiece.
But, it is a great as it could ever be. It is perfect for what it is.The best thing about this film is the way it builds up just for that one beautiful and meaningful shot.
This review of Down by Law (1986) was written by Benjamin W on 29 Jul 2012.
Down by Law has generally received very positive reviews.
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