Down by Law is a 1986 English-language Comedy Crime motion picture written and directed by Jim Jarmusch and produced by Alan Kleinberg under the banner of Black Snake. DJ Zack and pimp Jack end up in prison for being too laid-back to avoid being framed for crimes they didn't commit. They end up sharing a cell with eccentric Italian optimist Roberto, whose limited command of the English language is both entertaining and infuriating. useful to them is the fact that Roberto knows an escape route. Written by Michael Brooke. Down by law stars Tom Waits, John Lurie, Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Ellen Barkin, Billie Neal and Pruitt Taylor Vince. The music was composed by John Lurie along with Tom Waits. Cinematography was done by Robby M ller and editing by Melody London. The film has a running time of 107 minutes. It was released on 30th October 1986 in English and Italian languages. and it received positive reviews from critics when it was released. Down by Law was made on a budget of $0 million and at the box office it grossed only $0 million. Distribution rights for the motion picture were acquired by Island Pictures.