Down by Law (1986) 
Where am I?
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This was my first Jarmusch movie, but I don’t think it will be my last. I read one review of this film that said “this is the one that catapulted Jim Jarmusch to the forefront of obscure American cinema in the 1980’s.” Now I don’t know what it means to be at the forefront of obscurity, but this is a surprisingly fun movie. Tom Waits and the pimp are both kind of interesting, quiet, surly white guys who go down strangley similar paths to get thrown in prison. In prison they are joinned by Roberto Benigni, who gives them a way to interact and makes the whole thing a lot more pleasant.
Jarmush takes his time with the story and has many shots with engaging framing. But I did feel like Benigni was kind of the MVP. He gives the depressing story line a delicious splash of spice that also brings out the flavor of the films other ingredients.
