Joey Magidson
John Turturro has, somehow, never been nominated for an Academy Award. With The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, he has his best chance in years to finally break that Oscar drought. He’s never been better than in this wonderful character study, one that makes perfect use of him. Turturro is the highlight, of course, but he’s hardly the only thing to praise about this movie. Playing at the Telluride Film Festival, it’s an underrated gem that I truly hope is not ignored.
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is lived in and lyrical, both very modern and also feeling like a relic of the 1970s. Tonally, it’s as if it dropped right out of the 70s New York cinema that so many love. With Turturro capturing your attention and your heart, you’re down to follow him wherever this tale may lead. By the end, you’ve had a great time with him, but he’s also made you deeply emotional.
Once upon a time, Harry Lehman (Turturro) walked the streets of New York City, earning quite the living through pickpocketing. Now? Not so much. Nobody carries cash and technology has all but made him a dinosaur. Still, he presses on, both out of habit as well as necessity. An aging pickpocket doesn’t draw much attention, which works in his favor, but he’s feeling more and more like a man oout of time. Time spent at the pawn shop run by Ben (Steve Buscemi) that he fences at, as well as encounters with the soon to retire Detective Warren (Giancarlo Esposito) show the history that he’s had. Then, he steals from the wrong guy in Dylan (Will Price) coming into possession of something he shouldn’t have.
Faced with a ticking clock and a threat for his disabled wife Rosie (Karina Arroyave) whom he cares for, Harry has to work all of the angles. As he tries to find the item, he also ponders his place in the world, including the relationship he no longer has with his estranged daughter Kelly (Tatiana Maslany). The plot is light, but time spent with Harry is both hypnotic and rewarding.
John Turturro has never been better than he is here, drawing on a lifetime of acting experience to make Harry an incredibly well realized character. Is he a criminal? Yes. However, his moral code and heart make him instantly lovable. Turturro gives the performance of his career and truly deserves that first Oscar nomination. Not only should he be nominated in Best Actor, he deserves to be in contention to win. Steve Buscemi and Giancarlo Esposito have very charming supporting performances, both of which end up essential to the plot. Tatiana Maslany has a one scene showcase she knocks out of the park, while Will Price is effectively annoying. In addition to Arroyave, supporting players include Rob Brown, Jamie Lee Curtis (another strong cameo in this flick), Victoria Moroles, and more.
Writer/director Noah Segan has crafted something terrific here, showcasing tremendous filmmaking chops. Segan shoots New York City in a way that native New Yorkers will really appreciate, while keeping the pacing ruthlessly efficient. I’d have spent three hours with Turturro’s Harry, so this running a brisk 88 minutes is a rare beast. Segan’s writing is profound, giving everything a lived in feel, while his direction has a confidence that suggests excellent things to come.
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York absolutely rules. Telluride elevating this flick is one of the beautiful things about this festival, as this is truly quality cinema. As if a career best turn from John Turturro wasn’t enough Segan has crafted something beautiful, entertaining, and deeply moving. I loved it from start to finish.
SCORE: ★★★1/2
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