Review of Pickpocket (1959) by Gustavo C — 10 Aug 2010

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.

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. clear rating.