"New York, I love you, but you're bringing me down" - LCD Soundsystem
From the first few frames of The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, I was in. The world felt lived in and welcomed us in with open arms. The soaring score and moving needle drops evoked a simultaneous mix of wistfulness and reverence for the city that the characters call home (there's a stellar LCD Soundsystem needle drop!). It's filmed with a softness and warmth but doesn't shy away from the dark reality of a life of crime. You've also got heavy hitters like John Turturro, Steve Buscemi, and Giancarlo Esposito, who always knock it out of the park. Tatiana Maslany also makes a brief cameo, shining as always. Director Noah Segan is doing so much right with this film. It has something for everyone from humour to drama. I loved it. I can definitely see it becoming a TIFF favourite!
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York follows Harry (John Turturro), a seasoned pickpocket who keeps the old school way of thievery alive, one New York subway stop at a time. He does this all to care for his ailing wife and maintain the humble life they have together. Things take a turn when he picks the wrong pocket, stealing from Dylan (Will Price) who is the young son of a dangerous crime family. This choice forever changes the trajectory of Harry's life.
The film features John Turturro at an career best, bringing us to tears with humour and levity along the way. I absolutely predict awards buzz for his performance. Turturro handles this character with such complexity and care, it's a master class in acting. Despite the character's shortcomings, you can't help but root for him. And those eyes, those evocative eyes! Turturro can express so much from sly cheeky humour, to deep profound devastation within a moment. He is a powerhouse and grounds this film with such skill.
It is also quite funny! Despite some of the serious subject matter, it never loses its levity. There is a fun dichotomy between the "old heads" on the pickpocket scene, committed to analog everything, versus the new school "kids" committed to their tech and wild things like...the internet. That contrast plays great for comedy and allows the audience to breathe amidst the very real stakes.
Will Price is also excellent as Dylan, the infuriating and hilariously awful son. You can't help but laugh at him and his ridiculous hubris, privilege, as he waxes poetic about anything and everything to his crew of yes men. You find him so ridiculous that you almost forget that he isn't someone to mess with.
This film felt like a love letter to New York in the best of ways. The struggles that people face, the love they have in their hearts, and the city that simultaneously pulls them in and pushes them away. The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is an absolute must-watch. You are in good hands here. Stay for the credits. Sit with the story and the characters you've met. You won't regret it.
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