Review: The Only Living Pickpocket In New York

Official Synopsis: When a theft goes awry, a veteran pickpocket, Harry (John Turturro) is sent on a mission through New York to reclaim what he stole

A film asking you to follow and sympathize with a thief is already tough ask. Thankfully, a perfectly cast John Turturro is there to help guide us along the way. Even though we’re talking about pickpockets, the love for New York is front and center in this film. It’s beautifully shot in a way only a born and raised New Yorker could do. This is Noah Segan’s second time in the director’s chair for a feature, and he’s clearly put a lot of work into his craft. 

I find myself at a crossroads with this film because much of it is good, but there is one plot point that I’m having a hard time getting past. Turturro like I said is perfectly cast. And while Harry is not painted in a good light, he’s still pleasant enough to follow around, even when he’s making awful decisions. Having a veteran actor play against other vets like Steve Buscemi and Giancarlo Espisito is fun to watch. Without giving away too many spoilers, my biggest issue stems with Harry’s wife Rosie. (Karina Arroyave)

    

Rosie has suffered from an unnamed medical condition that has left her unable to speak or move. And when Harry steals from the wrong people, they obviously use Rosie as collateral. Maybe it’s because I’m a woman and I unfortunately have to think about these things, but Harry leaving his wife alone with a group of men he stole from when she can’t defend herself at all filled me with a huge amount of dread that just didn’t match with the light tone this film sets. And me over analyzing aside...it's also kind of illogical. Why wouldn't they go with him and get what they need sooner? They already know where he lives. 

It's distracting.  When Harry takes a side quest or has zero urgency, all I could think of is “Do you even know what could be happening right now” Thankfully these men don’t harm her. I know I'm probably overreacting, but I can't shake it. I'd love to hear your thoughts, though. 

That subplot aside, there were a lot of things to appreciate about the film, and I think it’s a great outing from Segan. Not perfect, but worth the watch.

Grade: B-