Actor John Turturro trained with a pro to play a pickpocket in new film

John Turturro spent months practicing how to lift a wallet to prepare for his leading role in the new film 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.' In the movie, Turturro plays Harry, a skilled pickpocket who cares for his catatonic wife. The character's life changes when he steals the backpack of a college student who is the grandson of a crime boss.

To get the details right, Turturro studied with Apollo Robbins, a renowned sleight-of-hand artist. Robbins coached Turturro on misdirection and gave him specific exercises to work through. Turturro practiced the skills constantly, lifting pockets in the production office and on set. He noted that horizontal pockets in tight jeans are difficult to access, while back pockets are easier. He added that a purse or backpack with an open zipper on the back is the easiest target.

Turturro, who is 69, said he enjoys complex roles because they force him to learn new skills. He described himself as a student who wants to explore the unknown. He said he finds the possibility of failure exciting because it keeps the work fresh. This approach has defined his career, which includes films like 'The Big Lebowski' and 'Do the Right Thing,' as well as TV series such as 'Severance' and 'The Night Of.'

The interview also covered Turturro's personal life and how it shaped his acting. He spoke about being the legal guardian for his late brother, who had schizophrenia. Turturro described the challenge of finding housing and hiring aides for his brother. He said he had to stay on high alert at all times because his brother could be unpredictable and abusive. Eventually, his brother was placed on a monthly medication that stabilized his condition. Turturro said he learned a lot about his own limits during that time. He noted that many mentally ill people end up on the streets because there is no good system in place. He recalled times when his brother threw food at him in the hospital if he was in a bad mood. Turturro said he had to decide whether to leave or stay, knowing his brother depended on him.

Turturro also discussed growing up in a volatile household. His father suffered from PTSD after serving on a destroyer during World War II. Turturro said he saw a lot of violence as a child and often had to calm the situation. He described his family home as an acting class based on real life. He said he learned how to diffuse tension from his mother, who was dry and funny. He grew up in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Hollis, Queens, for the first six years of his life. He said having no white friends gave him a unique perspective on music, humor, and friendship. He later moved to Rosedale, where he was often mistaken for Puerto Rican. He said that experience helped him understand multicultural dynamics. He credited those early years for his comfort working with diverse groups. He mentioned that his relationship with director Spike Lee was built on shared experiences from growing up in Italian neighborhoods.

Turturro said he feels richer as an actor now than when he was younger. He acknowledged that he cannot jump over fences or run as fast, but he can be more precise. He believes his full toolbox of experience allows him to understand stillness and distill his performances. He said he sees his character in the new film as someone who has lived a lot of life, which matches his own state of mind.