^{Credit: The Only Living Pickpocket in New York (Sony Pictures Classics)}

At Cartoon Contender, we mainly discuss animation and awards, but also everything in between. Nick’s Flick-Reel is that in-between, reviewing live-action films and more!

John Turturro is one of our best working character actors who still doesn’t have an Oscar nomination. His time may finally come for his nuanced leading performance in The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. Turturro plays Harry Lehman, a man running out of time in more ways than one. I hadn’t given it much thought until watching Noah Segan’s film, but pickpocketing is a dying profession (for better or worse… mostly better?) in a world where digital currency is slowly but surely phasing out cash. While I guess that’s a good thing, you still empathize with Harry, who is fading into obscurity along with his craft.

New York is practically Harry’s co-star. Although New York is a beacon of innovation, Harry reflects a gritty, old-school facet that can’t be paved over. No matter how much New York changes, its seedier side will remain even after Harry is gone. That said, Harry might not have much time left after stealing from the wrong person: a crime-family nepo baby (Will Price). Harry covers his tracks, but that does him little good now that security cameras are on every corner. Considering that Harry doesn’t even have a phone, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he knows nothing about crypto. He gets a crash course upon realizing what’s on the USB card he stole.

After losing the drive, Harry is given a time limit to get it back. Harry’s fate is seemingly sealed no matter what, but he can still save his disabled wife Rosie (Karina Arroyave). Although Rosie can’t speak or move on her own, Harry is the one who’s been frozen in time. The world changed while he couldn’t/wouldn’t. Now that time has caught up to him, he tries to do right by those he cares about. While this is mostly Turturro’s show, every supporting player makes the most of their limited screen time.

Steve Buscemi plays Harry’s long-time business partner, Ben. Harry steals, and Ben finds buyers. They may be thieves, but both know you can’t put a price on friendship. Harry’s other closest confidant is Giancarlo Esposito’s Detective Warren, who arrested him more times than either can count back in the day. Although they’re on opposite sides of the law, Harry and Warren know each other so well that they talk like old friends. Warren can oddly relate to Harry, now seen as part of the old guard at his precinct. Unlike Warren, though, Harry’s job doesn’t have a pension.

It’s sad to think that Harry knows his arresting officer more than his own daughter Kelly (Tatiana Maslany). Harry tries to make things right with Kelly, only to confirm that ship sailed a long time ago. Harry seems destined to go to his grave without passing on anything meaningful to the next generation. After encountering a young pickpocket on the subway, though, Harry finds he may have something more to give. An old dog also might be able to pick up some new tricks.

Segan’s direction is sharp, and his screenplay is tight, but without the right actor in the lead role, the film wouldn’t work. Turturro is an ideal choice to play a man who’s good at what he does, yet never got that big score. After more than 40 years in the business, Turturro deserves a Best Actor nomination for creating one of the year’s most absorbing screen characters. Turturro is understated in the role, yet deeply effective with every action. After years of stealing scenes in mostly supporting roles, Turturro is the whole show here.

Awards Potential:

John Turturro: Best Actor (Oscars), Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Golden Globe)

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available Now!