John Turturro on 'Pickpocket,' a Changing New York, and the Knicks

John Turturro, a ubiquitous presence in film, television, and theater, is drawing critical acclaim for his role as Harry, a career criminal in the new film The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. Written and directed by Noah Segan, the movie explores Harry's struggle to maintain his way of life in an increasingly cashless and electronic world. Turturro brings a complex portrayal to the character, who, despite his illegal activities, operates by a code of loyalty and honesty, particularly towards his disabled wife.

The actor, whose career spans decades and includes numerous memorable roles, sees his character as someone trying to navigate a changing world. "Everything changes," Turturro told TIME. "You walk down Bleecker Street, all these theaters, nightclubs are gone. It’s CVS. Ethnic neighborhoods aren’t there anymore. It takes away from the texture of a neighborhood."

A Changing City and a Criminal's Code

Turturro, a lifelong New Yorker, reflects on the city's transformation, noting the decline of affordable cultural spaces that once provided an accessible education for aspiring artists. He contrasts the past with the present, where ubiquitous smartphones mean people are less engaged with their surroundings. "There's so many people. We're all going somewhere. And there's plenty of people that aren't there. There's a lot of people gone now from all different generations, and you're more and more surrounded by ghosts," he said.

Regarding his character, Harry, Turturro views him not as a simple villain but as a person shaped by circumstance. "I just try to play a person. I’ve read about a lot of these guys. They were from broken homes, orphanages. They didn’t have a family, so they formed this little family with other people who didn’t want to hurt people," Turturro explained. He noted that while pickpocketing is a violation, it was a nonviolent act, akin to a magic trick, unlike other forms of crime.

The film was shot across all five boroughs, a choice that Turturro feels adds to the character's plausibility. Harry's intimate knowledge of transit lines and walking routes reflects a grounded, urban existence. "The guy is sort of a superhero. He knows the transit lines, the buses, the subways. He doesn't take Ubers," Turturro said. He also highlighted the film's focus on the city's underbelly and the people who, despite facing real problems like broken elevators and poor heating, are often overlooked.

Artistic Roots and Collaborations

A poignant scene in the film features Harry dancing to "Native New Yorker" for his wife, Rosie. Turturro, who studied dance and grew up in a household where dancing was common, embraced the moment. "Movement, especially when it’s not overly choreographed, brings joy. Even in intense stories, people stop to do things. They stop to eat. They stop to have a laugh," he shared.

Turturro reunited with long-time collaborators Giancarlo Esposito, who plays a detective, and Steve Buscemi, who appears as a pawn shop owner. "Yeah, we talked about it, and I asked Giancarlo to read it. And Steve and I know each other. We've been neighbors. He's a beautiful guy. He's a beautiful actor. We have a history there, so it's not like we have to invent that," Turturro said.

He also recently finished the play Rhinoceros with Tatiana Maslany, who also appears in Pickpocket. Turturro, who hails from the theater, values the collaborative rehearsal process. "That’s where I come from. I love the rehearsal process, if it’s a very open one... It’s exhausting, I don’t want to do a run for half a year. But I love doing things that young people can come to and afford. It’s real teamwork, and I think it’s kept me fresh for doing film work," he stated.

Turturro is also known for his role as Irving Bailiff in the Apple TV+ series Severance, a show that has garnered a devoted following and inspired numerous fan theories. "I love Irving too. I have enjoyed working with the entire group, and especially with the apple of my eye, Chris [Walken]," Turturro said. He believes the show resonates because it poses questions about work-life balance and identity without offering easy answers, leaving room for audience interpretation.

A Fan of the Knicks

As a prominent fan of the New York Knicks, Turturro expressed optimism about the team's current season. "I feel hopeful. I’m not overconfident. It was beautiful how they all coalesced. I treasure being a fan and a season-ticket holder," he said, recalling the shared sense of wonder among fans after recent victories.