John Turturro shines as a bygone pickpocket in "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York", a nostalgic crime noir that lovingly captures the essence of 1970s-era thrillers. The film's writer-director, Noah Segan, is no stranger to collaborating with Rian Johnson, but here he musters a convincing case for the old guard, a throwback to the character-led thrills of yesteryear.
Turturro, an actor who hasn't had a leading role in years, proves himself well-suited for this part. Harry, his grizzled pickpocket protagonist, is a nostalgic nod to crime fiction's golden age – a man out of time, clinging to traditional methods as the world around him hurtles forward. The film's use of location shooting and period-specific settings only adds to its charm.
The story follows Harry's misadventures in 1980s New York, where he operates on the margins, relying on his wits and cunning to survive. A chance encounter with a crime family leads to danger and a desperate bid for escape. Despite some predictable plot twists, the film remains engaging, thanks largely to Turturro's likable performance.
Supporting performances from Steve Buscemi and Tatiana Maslany are also noteworthy. The latter shines as Harry's estranged daughter, bringing depth and nuance to her brief but powerful scene. The chemistry between leads is undeniable, making it easy to become invested in their characters' plight.
While not entirely without flaws – the script occasionally falters with overly contrived explanations – "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is a satisfying tribute to the city, its people, and the cinematic genre that defined an era. Turturro's performance is a highlight, capturing the quiet desperation of a man struggling to find his place in a rapidly changing world.
Ultimately, this film feels like a rediscovery – not just of Harry's past exploits but also of the enduring appeal of classic crime fiction. With its winning blend of nostalgia and wit, "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is a delightful surprise, one that will leave viewers rooting for its grizzled hero to the very end.
Turturro, an actor who hasn't had a leading role in years, proves himself well-suited for this part. Harry, his grizzled pickpocket protagonist, is a nostalgic nod to crime fiction's golden age – a man out of time, clinging to traditional methods as the world around him hurtles forward. The film's use of location shooting and period-specific settings only adds to its charm.
The story follows Harry's misadventures in 1980s New York, where he operates on the margins, relying on his wits and cunning to survive. A chance encounter with a crime family leads to danger and a desperate bid for escape. Despite some predictable plot twists, the film remains engaging, thanks largely to Turturro's likable performance.
Supporting performances from Steve Buscemi and Tatiana Maslany are also noteworthy. The latter shines as Harry's estranged daughter, bringing depth and nuance to her brief but powerful scene. The chemistry between leads is undeniable, making it easy to become invested in their characters' plight.
While not entirely without flaws – the script occasionally falters with overly contrived explanations – "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is a satisfying tribute to the city, its people, and the cinematic genre that defined an era. Turturro's performance is a highlight, capturing the quiet desperation of a man struggling to find his place in a rapidly changing world.
Ultimately, this film feels like a rediscovery – not just of Harry's past exploits but also of the enduring appeal of classic crime fiction. With its winning blend of nostalgia and wit, "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is a delightful surprise, one that will leave viewers rooting for its grizzled hero to the very end.
. I mean, it's not like I don't get nostalgic for old-school crime thrillers, but there was something about Turturro's performance that just worked 
. He's got this energy that makes you root for the guy despite all his flaws 
. And can we talk about how great the supporting cast is? Buscemi and Maslany are on point 
. The only thing that bugged me was how predictable some of the plot twists were, but overall it felt like a love letter to the genre 
. I'm all for revisiting classic stories, even if they're not entirely perfect 
.
, john turturro's character sounds like just another has-been trying to cling to relevance... i mean, who thought it was a good idea to cast him in the lead role again? 
still, i guess the film's retro vibe might be kinda cool, but that's about where my enthusiasm ends. steve buscemi and tatiana maslany are decent, i'll give them that 
, but overall, this whole thing just feels like a nostalgic cash-grab to me 
... I mean, don't get me wrong, John Turturro looks like he's having a blast playing Harry the pickpocket, and Steve Buscemi and Tatiana Maslany are always cool. But I think we've seen this whole nostalgic vibe done before, you know? Like, in reverse? The film's got some great moments, but it also feels kinda formulaic at times... maybe that's just me being a skeptic 
. Still, if you're into that sort of thing, I guess it's worth checking out 
! The way he brings this character to life is like a breath of fresh air, you know? And the 70s vibes are on point, everything from the sets to the music feels like you're right there in New York City back in the day 
. The plot's got some predictable moments but it's all part of the charm, and Turturro's performance is just top-notch 
. Steve Buscemi and Tatiana Maslany are great supporting actors too, they add a lot to the story. Overall, I'd say this movie's a must-watch for anyone who loves classic crime thrillers or just wants to experience some nostalgia 
. Like, we're so used to living in the present, and our attention is always on what's coming next, but Harry just exists outside of that timeline, doing his own thing. It's a reminder that even in a world that's constantly changing, some people just find ways to hold onto their own pace, you know? And I think that's really beautiful 
. The film's not trying to say anything profound or anything, it's just letting the story breathe and Turturro's performance is the perfect reflection of that...
. The way the director and Turturro bring back the magic of classic crime noir is just pure gold 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a pickpocket's misadventures in NYC 
️? It's like a masterclass in character development, with Harry being this complex, flawed hero that makes you wanna root for him from the start 
. And let's not forget those supporting performances - Steve Buscemi and Tatiana Maslany are absolute perfection as usual 
. John Turturro is amazing as Harry, he's got this old-school charm that's just infectious. The way Noah Segan weaves together period-specific settings and location shooting is pure genius 
. It's like you're right there in 1980s New York, feeling the grit and grime of the city.
. The chemistry between Turturro and his co-stars is palpable, it makes you care about Harry's misadventures and want him to come out on top 
.
. It's not just a crime story, it's a character study of a man struggling to find his place in a rapidly changing world 
. The script has its moments, but overall I think it's a winning tribute to classic crime fiction 
. It's a powerful performance that makes you feel for him, even when he's making questionable choices 
. "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is a delightful surprise that will leave you rooting for Harry to the very end 
.