In “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,” John Turturro delivers a poignant performance as a thief nearing the end of his career. The film evokes a deep sense of melancholy, challenging the conventional expectations audiences often have at the multiplex. Unlike typical cinematic tragedies that aim for overwhelming emotional impact, this film offers a more subdued pleasure, akin to the soothing notes of a great sad song. This gentle sadness resonates throughout the film, largely due to Turturro’s compelling portrayal.
Turturro plays Harry Lehman, an aging criminal who roams the streets and subways of New York City, stealing smartphones and wallets, despite his own struggles with technology. His luck takes a turn when he steals from the wrong individual: a young man named Dylan, played by Will Price, who parks his meticulously restored 1969 Plymouth Barracuda nearby. Harry’s theft includes a wallet and a card containing a USB stick. While neither Harry nor his pawnshop associate Ben, portrayed by Steve Buscemi, understands the significance of the card, it soon becomes clear that it is an electronic key to a cryptocurrency account holding nearly $1 million. Dylan, although a thug, is sharp and swiftly tracks down Harry, threatening to harm Harry’s comatose wife if he does not return the key within four hours.
This film marks the directorial debut of Noah Segan, an actor known for his collaborations with Rian Johnson. Segan’s direction shines, capturing the intricate sleight of hand that characterizes Harry’s thievery. The film’s cinematography allows viewers to experience Harry’s world through his perspective, showcasing a cleverly constructed plot that sees him break into a secondhand electronics store. Even though he remains unaware of the card’s function, he adeptly navigates the clutter to find it. The film’s concise 88-minute runtime is efficient, with Harry traversing Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx while interacting with a friendly NYPD detective, played by Giancarlo Esposito.
However, the film stumbles slightly in its final act. Harry’s visit to his estranged daughter, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, while well-acted, feels like a trope seen in numerous films. Similarly, his climactic encounter with Dylan’s grandmother, a mafia boss played by Jamie Lee Curtis, lacks depth; a more substantial dialogue and a longer appearance could have enhanced her role. Nonetheless, even in these moments, the film offers valuable insights, including a flashback that reveals one last heist that brings Harry to a quiet acceptance of his fate.
Turturro brings a sense of worn elegance to his character, a man who has navigated the evolving landscape of New York for far too long. This resignation to his destiny harmonizes beautifully with Gary Lionelli’s somber jazz score, creating a vivid portrait of a talented individual whose time has come to a close. Despite being a character actor who has delivered exceptional performances since the 1990s, Turturro has not always received the recognition he deserves. “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” serves as a beautiful showcase for his talents.
