Down by Law

This screening will include a meeting of The Westdale Film Society! Open to Members of any membership level, we invite you to stay after the screening as Jeff will lead a casual, guided discussion with your fellow film lovers about the movie, stories and context about its creation, and the experience of watching it in on the big screen in our historic cinema. Coffee and refreshments will also be served!

Schedule: 1:00pm – Introduction to the film by host Jeffrey Bender 1:15pm – Film screening 2:45pm – Westdale Film Society meeting and discussion with coffee and snacks provided by Valentino's (Must be a Member to attend) 4:00pm – Film Society meeting concludes *Times are approximate

40th Anniversary!

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.

Jeffrey Bender

Jeffrey Bender has hosted a number of in-person and online Film Talks with the Westdale, most recently 'Great Beyonds: The Afterlife on Film', featuring four essential explorations into the afterlife as interpreted throughout film history. He serves as the host of the Westdale Film Society meetings, and whenever possible, splitting discussion duties with guest speakers, who share their insights on each of the Society's screening selections.