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Turturro's Rare Lead Role in 'Pickpocket'
3 Sep
Summary
- John Turturro stars as a master pickpocket in a changing New York.
- The film explores themes of aging, obsolescence, and lost artistry.
- This marks a rare lead film role for the acclaimed character actor.
Veteran actor John Turturro takes on a rare leading role in Noah Segan's crime thriller, "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York." Turturro portrays Harry Lehman, a master pickpocket navigating the increasingly cashless and surveilled landscape of New York City. This film marks a significant departure for Turturro, whose career has often featured celebrated character roles rather than outright leads, with his last being 30 years ago.
The narrative unfolds over a tense 36-hour period, during which Harry reflects on his life and the changing nature of his chosen profession. The movie highlights the melancholic decline of pickpocketing as a subtle art form, drawing parallels to broader societal themes of technological displacement and loss. Turturro's performance captures the essence of an analog world clashing with modernity, as well as the personal introspection that comes with aging.
The film, which debuted to acclaim at Sundance and is playing at fall festivals like Telluride and Toronto, features a strong supporting cast including Giancarlo Esposito and Steve Buscemi. Sony Pictures Classics is planning a theatrical release on October 23rd, with awards season buzz for Turturro. The production emphasized collaboration and a tight shooting schedule, reflecting the delicate and precise nature of the film's subject matter.
