"The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" Review: John Turturro Shines
Imagine a film that captures the bittersweet essence of New York City, a place rich with memories of a different time when life was simpler and so were its criminals. Writer-director Noah Segan’s nostalgic creation, "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York," serves as a gentle yet poignant character exploration that mourns the loss of an era gone by. The film opens and closes with two perfectly chosen songs that echo the mixed emotions every New Yorker feels about their city—LCD Soundsystem’s "New York, I Love You but You’re Bringing Me Down" and Bobby Short’s rendition of "I Happen to Like New York." This heartfelt production from Segan, who has been part of the acting scene for many years, feels like a comforting hug against a world that increasingly seems devoid of warmth and civility.
Set against a lively ’70s-inspired jazz-funk soundtrack reminiscent of Lalo Schifrin, we meet Harry, a man in his sixties navigating the Bronx. Portrayed by the talented John Turturro, Harry is a character striving to cling to the remnants of a past he cherishes. He lovingly cares for his disabled, nonverbal wife Rosie, played by Karina Arroyave, while maneuvering through the crowded subway cars of New York in search of cash and valuables to pilfer using his old-school pickpocketing skills. However, he faces the stark truth of modern times, where the average person rarely carries cash or wears cherished heirloom watches.
These days, Harry finds himself lifting only thin wallets or the occasional iPhone—items that can be quickly traced and aren’t worth much on the market. His longtime friend and accomplice, Ben (played brilliantly by Steve Buscemi), runs a pawn shop and grapples with the bewildering new generation of tech-savvy youths. Yet, Harry’s daughter Eve (Victoria Moroles) stands out as a beacon of kindness, supporting her father and treating him as family.
The film begins ingeniously with a prologue that showcases a typical day in New York, following a white-collar worker through his routine until he realizes his wallet is missing during a business lunch. Unbeknownst to him, he had been standing next to Harry in a subway car earlier—a moment fleetingly captured as Harry blends into the bustling crowd.
What sets Harry apart, however, is his striking cashmere overcoat, which complements his salt-and-pepper hair and serves as a significant character detail, reminiscent of Alain Delon’s iconic trench in "Le Samouraï." This coat, crafted by the luxury brand Ermenegildo Zegna, seems extravagant for someone like Harry, who doesn’t even own a mobile phone. It symbolizes his preference for lasting quality and reminds us of a time when possessions held true value. For someone who often finds himself in precarious situations, wearing good clothes helps him avoid suspicion, although he hasn’t always been adept at staying out of trouble, as evidenced by his connection with Detective Allan Warren (Giancarlo Esposito), who plays the role with a contemplative demeanor.
Harry soon finds himself entangled with the wrong crowd after stealing from a wealthy Gen-Z individual linked to a dubious crime family—though he is blissfully unaware of this fact at first. This flashy character, Dylan (portrayed by the impressive Will Price), contrasts sharply with Harry’s old-fashioned elegance, sporting an oversized and extravagant tracksuit. The plot thickens as Harry and Ben unwittingly plug a USB drive they found in Dylan’s wallet, revealing Harry’s lack of knowledge about modern technology, which adds a layer of humor to the narrative. When confronted, Harry must act quickly; while he may not be able to save himself, he is determined to protect his wife.
As Harry traverses all five boroughs of New York City, viewers are treated to a vivid glimpse of a city that has served as a backdrop for countless legendary films. Unlike the polished images of Central Park and towering skyscrapers, the New York depicted in "Pickpocket" explores its overlooked corners, much like Sean Baker’s work. This film encourages a return to simpler ways of navigating urban life, such as asking for directions instead of relying on GPS, depending on the kindness of strangers, and engaging with one's surroundings rather than scrolling through screens.
Along this journey, Harry’s race against time transforms into a quest for reconciliation and self-discovery, highlighted by a touching detour to reconnect with his estranged daughter Kelly, portrayed by the scene-stealing Tatiana Maslany. This moment adds depth to the story, providing just enough background without overwhelming the audience, thanks to a well-structured script that invites imagination.
The final act of "Pickpocket" unveils several surprising developments, skillfully edited by Hilda Rasula, alongside a playful cameo from a well-known actor portraying Dylan’s formidable matriarch. Despite its comedic elements, the film maintains a consistently melancholic atmosphere throughout its concise runtime, beautifully captured by Sam Levy’s evocative cinematography. Ultimately, "Pickpocket" emerges as an unapologetic love letter to New York City and its less-celebrated inhabitants, offering a perspective that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever called this vibrant metropolis home.
