John Turturro's New Film 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' Shows His Leading Man Talent

John Turturro, known for supporting roles, is now the star of 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,' a film showing at the Berlin Film Festival.
By Newsroom | Film, Entertainment |

John Turturro, a familiar face in cinema, is stepping into the spotlight with a new film that allows him to carry the narrative. While often seen in memorable supporting roles, his talent for embodying complex characters is now the central focus of "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York." This film, premiering at Sundance and now showing at the Berlin Film Festival, presents Turturro as Harry, a seasoned pickpocket whose life takes an unexpected turn.

The film explores a lighter side of crime, with Harry operating under a strict rule to avoid serious offenses. However, an accidental theft of a USB device from a wealthy individual plunges him into a larger, potentially dangerous situation. The narrative also features Steve Buscemi as Ben, a pawnshop owner who acts as Harry's fence, and Giancarlo Esposito as Warren, a retired detective who, after years of pursuit, now maintains a casual, almost collegial relationship with Harry.

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The Craft of an Actor

Turturro's dedication to his craft is evident in his approach to character development. He emphasizes the importance of costumes, working closely with designers to select fabrics and clothing that help him understand and embody his roles. This meticulous attention to detail reflects a deeper commitment to his art, which he describes as being about "listening."

We Take John Turturro for Granted - 1

  • Turturro believes acting is fundamentally about attentive listening.

  • He has a long-standing appreciation for clothing, finding it a way to feel "at home" in a role.

  • He works closely with costume designers to select fabrics and attire.

A Career Defined by Versatility

With a career spanning over 45 years, John Turturro has built an impressive filmography, collaborating with renowned directors such as the Coen Brothers, Spike Lee, and Henry Selick. His work on films like "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", "The Big Lebowski," "Raging Bull," and "Do the Right Thing" has cemented his reputation as a versatile actor. He has spoken of special experiences working on adaptations of great writers with talented directors, even if the final film has some unevenness.

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"To work on an adaptation of a great writer with a great director was a really special experience for me." - John Turturro (via IMDb)

His role as Irving B. in the series "Severance," a stickler for rules who develops a conscience, is highlighted as an example of his ability to portray characters with hidden depths and evolving understanding.

Critical Acclaim and Personal Reflection

Turturro's performances are often lauded for their subtle power and depth. The new film, "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York," seems poised to allow him to fully showcase this ability to hold an audience's attention. Critics note his "sad, watchful eyes and his lanky determination," qualities that have made him a consistent presence in both significant and cameo roles.

While Turturro has been a consistent and respected figure in the film industry, "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" offers a chance for him to lead, demonstrating that his extensive experience and nuanced performances deserve a more central stage. His career suggests a consistent standard of quality, making his leading role in this new film a noteworthy event.

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  • Turturro's performance in "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is drawing attention for its central role.

  • He is described as having "sad, watchful eyes and his lanky determination."

  • His career is marked by consistent quality and collaboration with acclaimed filmmakers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is John Turturro's new film about?
John Turturro stars as Harry, a pickpocket who follows rules to avoid serious crime. His life changes when he accidentally steals a USB device, leading him into a bigger situation. The film is called 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.'
Q: Where can I see John Turturro's new film?
John Turturro's new film, 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,' is showing at the Berlin Film Festival. It was also shown at the Sundance Film Festival.
Q: Who else is in 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York'?
The film also features Steve Buscemi as Ben, a pawnshop owner, and Giancarlo Esposito as Warren, a retired detective who has a past connection with Harry.
Q: Why is John Turturro's new role important for his career?
After many years of memorable supporting roles, this film gives John Turturro a leading part. It allows him to fully show his talent for playing complex characters and holding the audience's attention.
Q: How does John Turturro prepare for his roles?
John Turturro believes acting is about listening. He also works closely with costume designers to choose clothes that help him feel like the character and understand the role better.