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THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK
Written and Directed by Noah Segan
Starring John Turturro, Giancarlo Esposito and Will Price
Year: 2026 - Running Time: 1 hr 29 min
Opens October 30th
I was lucky to be on the Red Carpet of the TIFF Toronto International Film Festival 2026 Canadian Premiere of THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK at Roy Thomopson Hall. Unfortunately, I didn't get to interview any of the cast and didn't see the film until afterwards, but I was ready to ask questions. I got some photos of Will Price because he posed for photos, but I missed a good shot of John Turturro; I only got the back of his head in a shot. I did get a video of Giancarlo Esposito and Angela who runs the red carpet heading to the green room. I will post the video on my Instagram once I post this blog post.
This film was on my original short list of films I wanted to see at TIFF, and I hope TIFF gave it a great audience.
THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK stars John Turturro as Harry Lehman, a deeply old-school man, stuck in a bygone era, and who treats his career in pickpocketing as an art form. He lifts classic items like wristwatches and cash, but in the digital age, the world has changed around him.
Harry lifts something he doesn’t recognize, and his longtime friend—the pawn shop owner played by Steve Buscemi—won’t touch it. He tries to find someone who can help, unaware that they’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest in the world of digital currency.
Harry leans on his old connections for support. He’ll do anything to protect his unconscious wife, whom he lovingly cares for.
On his way to deal with the situation, he visits his estranged daughter (Tatiana Maslany) for what might be a reconciliation—or the last time he ever sees her. The encounter doesn’t go the way he hoped.
The film stylishly blends old New York with the modern city, rich in character and texture.
Harry ultimately finds a way to do the right thing with the item he lifted, but he must face the consequences of his choices.
There’s also a great cameo by Jamie Lee Curtis. John Turturro is a very skilled actor, and this part really showcases his New York hustle and vulnerability very well.
This film offers a vivid look at life across New York's boroughs, capturing the daily grind, the hustle, and the constant fight for survival.
