
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai1999
Paired by the Criterion Channel, both picked by RZA and Winona Ryder in the Criterion Closet, and both directed by Jim Jarmusch


Director Jim Jarmusch followed up his brilliant breakout film STRANGER THAN PARADISE with another, equally beloved portrait of loners and misfits in the American landscape. When fate brings together three hapless men—an unemployed disc jockey (Tom Waits), a small-time pimp (John Lurie), and a strong-willed Italian tourist (Roberto Benigni)—in a Louisiana prison, a singular adventure ensues. Described by Jarmusch as a “neo-Beat noir comedy,” DOWN BY LAW is part nightmare and part fairy tale, featuring sterling performances and crisp black-and-white cinematography by the esteemed Robby Müller.
Jon Hamm
Mar 2026

Robby Müller on DOWN BY LAW

Bill Hader on DOWN BY LAW

DOWN BY LAW Cannes Film Festival: Press Conference

DOWN BY LAW Cannes Film Festival: John Lurie

DOWN BY LAW Outtakes

“It’s All Right with Me”

Jim Jarmusch on “It’s All Right with Me”

DOWN BY LAW Q&A with Jim Jarmusch

Phone Calls: Tom Waits

Phone Calls: Roberto Benigni

Phone Calls: John Lurie

Jim Jarmusch on Dubbing

DOWN BY LAW Trailer
Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Paired by the Criterion Channel, both picked by RZA and Winona Ryder in the Criterion Closet, and both directed by Jim Jarmusch
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Picked by the Criterion Channel

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via Criterion Collection