274 of 1001 Movies: Down By Law (1986)

I've watched a few Jim Jarmusch movies by now, and while I can appreciate it I also can't help but feel something is keeping me from getting into them as I would hope. Broken Flowers was great, and I can see the value in Dead Man, but once you watch Down By Law then you may be less enthused with Dead Man. I know about I'm about to sound "film dumb", but I can't get into black and white very well after the method of using black and white became an artistic choice, and not just an automatic default. Jarmusch though chose a great cast to lead this film, which keeps it alive with characters at least.

Summary: DJ Zack and Jack, a pimp, both end up in prison. They were framed, but didn't really care enough to fight it. It seems they feel their lives were bound to catch up with them. When an Italian immigrant, Roberto, gets locked away with them they begin plotting how to escape. Roberto has some distracting eccentrics they utilize. Anyways, their journey from the prison to their escape will be a learning experience for these guys as well.

254 of 1001 Movies: The Decline of the American Empire (1986)

French Canadians do a movie just like the French do, well almost, except not as sophisticated. The Decline of the American Empire though is a movie that at one point during it's year was the highlight of award shows. I just felt like I was watching a more sexed up and less interesting version of The Big Chill. I know you're asking what The Big Chill has to do with this, but I couldn't help but the vibe of this movie reminded me of that movie.

Summary: Friends gather together to prepare for an evening together. Much of their conversation revolves around their sexual encounters and experiences. Remy, Pierre, and Claude are preparing dinner while the ladies are out and about chatting. The three reveal their own sexual affairs and preferences. Diane, Louise, and Dominque gather to discuss their encounters as well, and everything they hope or believe their significant others aren't doing. When they all gather for dinner at the end of the day though some awkward revelations are made that stir up trouble among the couples and friends.