John Turturro Steals the Spotlight in Nostalgic Crime Thriller
Noah Segan's light-footed crime noir, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, premiering at the Sundance film festival, is a film deeply obsessed with the chasm between old and new. It weaves memories of how things used to be, with older characters stubbornly resisting digital advances, while the younger generation rolls their eyes at those out of touch with modern life. While this theme can feel a bit overplayed at times, Segan – a frequent collaborator with Rian Johnson – crafts a convincing tribute to bygone eras, delivering a brisk throwback to 1970s-style character-driven thrillers infused with borrowed flair from yesteryear.
A Protagonist of a Dying Breed
The title, partly inspired by a Simon and Garfunkel song, hints at a protagonist from a vanishing world: a pickpocket who clings to traditional methods. Played by John Turturro, this character might steal smartphones but doesn't own one himself. Turturro, an actor who hasn't had many leading roles recently – his last was in the poorly received The Jesus Rolls, which he wrote and directed – finds a welcome return to form here. He embodies someone who might have thrived as a leading man in a different era, bringing depth and charisma to the role.
His character, Harry, feels plucked from a well-worn crime novel: a loner who sticks to routines, excels as a thief but struggles as a father. The film finds joy in these familiar tropes, using nostalgia not as a crutch but with genuine sincerity. Harry operates mostly on the subway, living in the Bronx but working in Manhattan, selling his stolen goods to pawnbroker Ben, played by Steve Buscemi, another Coens collaborator. In his downtime, he cares for his wife, who suffers from a degenerative disease that leaves her mute and immobile.
A Simple Yet Engaging Plot
As often happens in such stories, Harry makes a critical error by stealing from the wrong person – the spoiled child of a powerful crime family, portrayed by rising star Will Price. This sets off a chain of events that forces Harry to navigate a dangerous situation within a single day. At 88 minutes, the film is tight and engaging, delivering exactly what one might expect from a crime thriller, yet it remains compelling throughout.
What once seemed mundane in Harry's cherished "good old days" now feels like a minor miracle, and true to its title, this is a quintessential New York film, shot on location with recognisable settings that fans of the city will appreciate. Despite the peril Harry faces, there's a charming, breezy quality to his travels around New York, as he finds his way without relying on Google Maps.
Strong Performances and Emotional Depth
While a reunion with his estranged daughter might seem a bit schematic, it allows for a powerful performance from Tatiana Maslany, who conveys decades of anger and sadness in a single scene. She even tells Harry he looks terrible – perhaps the film's most far-fetched moment, given how impressive Turturro appears at 68, exuding a cool, understated style. Turturro's portrayal makes Harry a likable, if morally ambiguous, companion, and viewers might wish for more time with him as he steals from New Yorkers and grumbles about rising prices.
Script Flaws and a Bittersweet Ending
Segan's script isn't always as sharp as it aims to be, with some convoluted explanations that feel more contrived than clever. Additionally, a surprise cameo from an Oscar-winner in the final act feels jarring due to their larger-than-life persona. However, Segan manages to wrap things up with a satisfyingly bittersweet conclusion, paying earnest homage to a city, a time, a genre, a mindset, and to Turturro himself. While the territory may be familiar, it's a pleasant revisit.
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is currently screening at the Sundance film festival and is actively seeking distribution, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on the crime noir genre.
