John Turturro Trains With Sleight-Of-Hand Expert For New Pickpocket Film

Actor John Turturro has spent recent months mastering the mechanics of theft to prepare for his upcoming movie role. The 69-year-old star will portray Harry, a professional pickpocket and primary caregiver for his catatonic wife, in the film The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.

Turturro worked closely with Apollo Robbins, a well-known sleight-of-hand artist, to refine his techniques. Robbins coached the actor on misdirection and provided specific exercises for practice. Turturro stated that he practiced picking pockets frequently in the production office and on set to maintain his skills.

The actor explained that physical details matter greatly for the craft. He noted that horizontal pockets in tight jeans are difficult to access, while back pockets offer an easier target. He added that purses or backpacks with zippers that are not fully closed present the best opportunities for a thief.

In the film, Harry’s life becomes complicated when he steals the backpack of a college student. The student is revealed to be the grandson of a crime boss, setting the stage for the story’s central conflict. Turturro has played several morally ambiguous characters throughout his career, including roles in Five Corners, The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and Do the Right Thing.

Turturro said he is drawn to complex characters because they allow him to explore new emotional territory. He described his approach as mining every aspect of a role, noting that the possibility of failure makes the process exciting. He views himself as a student who enjoys the uncertainty of beginning something new.

During the interview, Turturro discussed his time serving as the legal guardian for his late brother, who had schizophrenia. He described the challenge of finding housing and hiring aides for his brother, who was often unpredictable and abusive. Turturro said he remained on high alert to protect his own family from his brother’s outbursts. The situation improved when his brother began taking a monthly medication, though there were still periods of hospitalization and conflict.

The actor also reflected on growing up in a household marked by volatility. His father suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in the Navy during World War II. Turturro said he was the middle child who often calmed tensions between his parents. He described his mother as dry and funny, noting that he learned how to diffuse difficult situations in that environment.

Turturro grew up in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Hollis, Queens, for his first six years. He said he had no white friends during that time and felt a strong connection to the community. When his family moved to Rosedale, an area with more Italian, Irish, and Jewish residents, he experienced prejudice for being mistaken for Puerto Rican. He said these experiences helped him understand a multicultural world and bonded him with director Spike Lee, who also grew up in an Italian neighborhood.

Turturro said he feels comfortable working with women due to his relationship with his mother, a dressmaker who involved him in her work. He recalled helping with patterns and sometimes modeling wedding dresses when the mannequin did not fit. He believes his age brings a fuller toolbox of experience, allowing him to bring precision and stillness to his performances.