The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, written and directed by Noah Segan, is one of the best character studies I have seen all year. John Turturro, who is always brilliant, portrays Harry Lehman, an aging pickpocket whose life is a mixture of old habits, missed opportunities, and responsibilities he can no longer ignore.
The film sets the mood with an upbeat, and at times melancholy, soundtrack featuring some wonderful songs, including Bobby Short’s version of “I Happen to Like New York,” “Native New Yorker” by Odyssey, and the instrumental “Back to the Bronx,” which is a little reminiscent of the theme from Rocky. The music adds a wonderful layer to the film and helps transport us into Harry’s world.
Turturro fully embraces the character of a washed-up thief, a man carrying the weight of past mistakes and obligations he has failed to fulfill. As he goes about his day, he can’t help but see opportunities to steal all around him. On one evening, however, he tempts fate when he lifts the property of someone he doesn’t realize is connected to a much bigger criminal operation: a tech bro named Dylan.
Harry expects the usual treasures from his latest heist: a wallet, a watch, or something he can quickly pawn to help pay for his wife Rosie’s around-the-clock care. Harry is an old-school hustler who knows his way around the neighborhood and its characters, including Ben, the pawnshop owner, played by Steve Buscemi. Ben’s shop is a familiar stop for Harry. But this time, among his latest acquisitions, is something neither man understands: a USB crypto wallet. Equally perplexed, Ben inserts the device into an ancient computer he apparently uses for little more than email.
And that’s when the trouble begins.
Dylan realizes his card is missing and traces it to Ben’s pawnshop. Both Harry and Dylan are thieves, but the similarities end there. Harry has a sense of humanity, even as he goes about his questionable business. Dylan, on the other hand, relies on being the smartest guy in the room, with a decidedly mercenary attitude. The contrast is striking and makes you almost nostalgic for the days of criminals with clever schemes, street smarts, and, dare I say, big hearts.
Harry’s predicament forces him to call on some old cronies, including Detective Allan Warren, played by Giancarlo Esposito, of Breaking Bad fame, as well as a new associate he encounters on the New York subway. As the situation becomes increasingly dangerous, Harry is forced to take stock of his life. He tries to make amends with his grown daughter, though those efforts don’t go as he hopes. He also prepares to say goodbye to Rosie, making sure her long-term care will be provided for.
While the suspense builds, it is Turturro’s performance that truly captures the audience’s imagination. He skillfully portrays an ordinary man doing the best he can with the life he’s been given. Turturro has an impressive list of film credits and has worked with some of the industry’s finest writers and directors, including Spike Lee and the Coen Brothers. But this film gives him a chance to shine in a particularly meaningful way.
I thoroughly enjoyed stepping into the gritty streets of New York on this rainy afternoon. It was a pleasure to be entertained by a good story, a terrific lead performance, and a soundtrack that enhanced rather than distracted from the moviegoing experience.
For KSQD’s Film Gang: Susan Lovegren.