John Turturro Takes on the Role of a Pickpocket in Noah Segan’s Thoughtful Crime Drama at Sundance

If you see John Turturro walking the streets of Park City, it might be wise to keep a close grip on your belongings. The actor has trained extensively in pickpocketing, honing his skills for his role in the upcoming film, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. This crime thriller, written and directed by Noah Segan, will premiere on Tuesday at the Eccles Theatre as part of Sundance’s Premieres lineup.

In the film, Turturro stars alongside notable actors including Steve Buscemi, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tatiana Maslany. He portrays Harry, a seasoned pickpocket who steals to support his ailing wife. However, his life takes a turn when he steals from the wrong target, leading him into a tense race against time through the city.

Segan, a lifelong New Yorker, aims to create a film that reflects the evolving nature of the city—a romantic yet reflective portrayal of its changes. He juxtaposes the traditional world of pickpocketing with modern forms of crime, crafting a noir-style narrative that explores the moral codes that define good and bad characters.

Segan and his team at T-Street, including producers Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman, return to Sundance two decades after Segan’s first experience at the festival. Back then, he was promoting Johnson’s directorial debut, Brick, while sharing a bunk bed with him in Park City. That film, a hardboiled detective story, put Johnson on the map, eventually leading to a major career after winning a Special Jury Prize for Originality of Vision.

Pickpocket is produced by MRC and follows a conversation with Segan and Turturro, where they delve into the film’s premise and their personal connections to Sundance. Turturro reflects on his own history with the festival and his relationship with late founder Robert Redford, while discussing his preparation for the role.

DEADLINE: Noah, where did the seed of this story come from? How long has the film been gestating?

NOAH SEGAN: The initial spark was a desire to tell a New York story, exploring the city’s changes yet its unchangeable essence. After my daughter was born nearly nine years ago, I took time off work to care for her. During her naps, I wrote the script.

Following the success of the first Knives Out movie, I shared the script with Rian Johnson. He suggested that if the film performed well, we could consider starting a company to pursue such projects, and now, eight years later, here we are.

DEADLINE: What was your vision for the character of Harry?

SEGAN: Harry is a hero in the truest sense—a character crafted from the essence of what makes New Yorkers and criminals compelling. I aimed to encapsulate the qualities of the city and the intriguing nature of its characters.

DEADLINE: John, what drew you to this script?

JOHN TURTURRO: I was surprised by how well-written it was. After reading numerous scripts, this one stood out significantly. It resonated with classic film noir elements I admire, such as Out of the Past and The Friends of Eddie Coyle. Working with Noah, I immersed myself in literature about pickpocketing to understand the character deeply.

SEGAN: One key resource was David Maurer’s Whiz Mob, an academic work on pickpocketing that could be deemed a science and an art.

TURTURRO: Understanding the nuances was invaluable, especially as I learned from professionals like Apollo Robbins, who is a performance artist specializing in pickpocketing.

SEGAN: During our preparation, John encountered situations that tested his skills on the subway. I recall him joking about the temptations he felt to use his newfound abilities.

TURTURRO: I mostly confined my “practice” to the set.

SEGAN: In fact, he even managed to pick my mom’s pocket! [Laughs]

DEADLINE: The film presents a fascinating contrast between old-school methods and modern technology. How deeply did you research contemporary criminal tactics?

SEGAN: I encountered a story about a man sifting through a landfill searching for a lost USB drive containing a fortune in cryptocurrency. The evolution of crime reflects our reliance on technology, seamlessly integrated into how people navigate daily life.

DEADLINE: How did you approach representing New York as a character in this film?

SEGAN: Harry’s skills seem almost superhuman, but it’s his knowledge of the city that truly sets him apart. Even early drafts revealed my familiarity with the boroughs, leading to incorporating locations across all five boroughs of New York. The city shaped the narrative, demanding authenticity in its portrayal.

SEGAN: We even filmed near my childhood home, which added a personal touch to the project.

TURTURRO: New York is a collection of unique worlds, where travel across boroughs can feel like crossing vast distances.

DEADLINE: The title of the film evokes Simon & Garfunkel’s iconic song. What made it a fitting choice?

SEGAN: Their evocative lyrics capture the essence of New York—both wistful and reflective. Interestingly, my mother has a personal grudge against Garfunkel for a cab incident from years ago.

DEADLINE: Discuss your ongoing relationship with Rian Johnson.

SEGAN: Two decades ago, we shared a bunk bed in Park City, and now, we continue to collaborate. Trust and friendship fuel our creative endeavors, reminiscent of the bonds formed in the artistic community.

DEADLINE: John, you also share a long history with Steve Buscemi. How well do you know him personally?

TURTURRO: While we grew up in adjacent neighborhoods, our friendship flourished in the ’80s. We’ve worked together on several projects and have deep mutual respect as artists.

DEADLINE: As Sundance approaches its final year in Park City, do you have favorite memories from past festivals?

TURTURRO: Early on, I was recognized with the Piper-Heidsieck Award, which was unexpected as a young actor. My connection with Robert Redford throughout the years has had a profound impact on my career. This year holds special significance for me.

SEGAN: Reflecting on my first Sundance experience, I remember feeling astonished that anyone cared about our film.

DEADLINE: Do you envision the film as a potential franchise, similar to Knives Out?

TURTURRO: I see that potential, and I’m excited about where this character could go.

SEGAN: We’re ready to explore another one! Writing can always find a way to develop the story further.

DEADLINE: Is there any news regarding the upcoming season of Severance?

TURTURRO: I’ve heard they’re in the writing phase, but I’m awaiting updates.

DEADLINE: Would you like to see more of Irving’s character?

TURTURRO: Absolutely; his backstory has so much potential.

SEGAN: How about directing an episode where we see Irving living as a small-time crook in New York?

TURTURRO: If I could play both characters, that would be entertaining! [Laughs]