Review of Pickpocket (1959) by Nate W — 26 Jun 2010
On the cusp of the French New Wave, Robert Bresson's "Pickpocket" exemplifies the changing cinematic language of the time. His cast aren't so much actors as they are models, merely serving as puppets through which the actions of the story are carried out.
Bresson isn't so concerned with engaging us on an emotional level â?? he makes little concessions for music or melodrama â?? as he is with using unflavoured scenes to make comment on a larger picture about complex human moralities.
His main character, Michael, resorts to thievery once his mother passes away, but he eventually grows addicted to his new trade, constantly pushing the envelope on what he can get away with. Why? That's up to you.
By distancing us from this character emotionally, Bresson affords us the opportunity to interpret for ourselves. The highlights of the film are the clever pickpocketing scenes, which extract so much tension without a single note of music or word of dialogue.
This review of Pickpocket (1959) was written by Nate W on 26 Jun 2010.
Pickpocket has generally received very positive reviews.
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