Turturro Learns Pickpocketing for New Film

Actor John Turturro learned the mechanics of pickpocketing to prepare for his role in the new film, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. The movie stars Turturro as Harry, a skilled pickpocket who serves as the primary caretaker for his wife, who is in a catatonic state. The character’s life shifts when he steals the backpack of a college-age student who turns out to be the grandson of a crime boss.

Turturro trained with Apollo Robbins, a renowned sleight-of-hand artist, to master the art of misdirection. "He really helped me, gave me exercises, and worked with me," Turturro said. He practiced lifting wallets in the production office and on set constantly. The actor noted that horizontal pockets in tight jeans are difficult to access, while back pockets and unzipped purses are easier targets.

This role fits a pattern in Turturro’s career, which includes complex characters in films such as Five Corners, The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and Do the Right Thing. More recently, he appeared in the television series The Night Of, The Plot Against America, and Severance. Turturro, who is 69, says he is drawn to challenging roles because of the unknowns involved. "I really do try to take the elevator down into the sub-basement and mine everything I possibly can because I'm a student," he said.

The actor discussed how his personal history shapes his professional approach. He served as the legal guardian for his late brother, who had schizophrenia, a responsibility that required hiring aides and managing unpredictable behavior. Turturro described the experience as demanding, noting that his brother was sometimes abusive and unpredictable. He eventually secured a monthly medication regimen for his brother, which stabilized his condition.

Turturro grew up in Hollis, Queens, in a predominantly Black neighborhood, before moving to Rosedale. He said these environments taught him about multicultural dynamics and how to diffuse tension. His father, a World War II veteran with PTSD, contributed to a volatile household dynamic. Turturro recalled seeing violence at a young age, which helped him understand the reality of explosive characters he later played on screen.

He also credited the women in his life for teaching him how to hold a household together. His mother, a dressmaker, was a central figure in their home. Turturro often helped her with patterns and once modeled a wedding dress when the mannequin was too small. He said these early experiences fostered a comfort level that he brings to working with women in his career.

As he ages, Turturro believes his acting has become more precise rather than physical. "You can't jump over a fence as quickly or run as fast, but you can distill things and understand what stillness is," he said. He feels his toolbox of experience is fuller, allowing him to portray characters with a depth that reflects a life lived. The new film is currently in production.