Review of Pickpocket (1959) by Brandon S — 16 Jun 2017
A beautifully filmed, precise, and cool exploration of identity and the consequences that our personalities can lead to. Indeed, Bresson's film feels less like a French New Wave film and more like an Italian Neorealist film or a naturalistic novel.
Indeed, its characters are fully fleshed-out and their character traits lead to the expected outcomes in their lives. Still, Bresson's film also subtly holds the life of the pickpocket up as a counter-cultural lifestyle, a pattern of behavior that deviates from the mainstream and provides a liberating experience for the film's protagonist.
Poignant, beautiful, and powerful, Bresson's film is a profound statement upon the loines that divide good/bad and lawful/criminal. If a man steals money and pays for his sick mother's care, then is he a bad man? Such question lies at the heart of Bresson's stylish and provocative film.
Oh, and it's only 75 minutes--not 85 as Flickster claims.
This review of Pickpocket (1959) was written by Brandon S on 16 Jun 2017.
Pickpocket has generally received very positive reviews.
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