Clevercell Very disappointing...

Salubfoto It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

Deanna There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

gavin6942 Michel (Martin LaSalle, the French equivalent of Montgomery Clift) is released from jail after serving a sentence for thievery. His mother dies and he resorts to pickpocketing as a means of survival.I freely confess I was not very familiar with the work of Robert Bresson. By which I mean I had not seen a single thing he did. This month (July 2013) that will be rectified, and this was the perfect place to start. Whether or not "Pickpocket" is a masterpiece is unclear, but it is Bresson's best-known work, and beautifully shot.I love how this film inspired Paul Schrader, who then used a scene not once but twice in his own work. That is pretty powerful. The film as a whole is great, with the focus on the hands and the use of great black and white (apparently Bresson's preferred medium, as he used it through the 1960s if not later).

dlee2012 This early Bresson piece is an interesting but ultimately flawed work.Clearly influenced by Italian neo-realism, non-professional actors are used throughout the film. Unlike in neo-realist works though, where a deep sympathy for the protoganist is established, there is a cold, distancing effect in this film that means one feels little sympathy. This disengagement also means the viewer quickly loses interest in the proceedings. Telling the story via the device of the character writing his memoirs from behind bars should have generated interest but he is so distant it is obvious the character does not really understand himself, let alone anyone else.The main character however, does have the potential to be a fascinating figure. Drawn to the life of a pickpocket through feelings of superiority and of being above society's laws, he descends into paranoia as the law pursues him. He plays a cat and mouse game with the authorities, though who will win is never in doubt to the observer.Likewise, the scenes of pick-pocketing lack suspense or interest. Indeed, his existence seems all the more mundane for them; he is no more interesting than a mere accountant going about his work. Whilst this may be potentially subversive for those expecting a traditional crime/heist suspense film (indeed the audience is warned from the outset not to expect one), they do not offer any more insight into the character. In addition to this, his bouts of reclusivity also do nothing to offer invoke sympathy. This is a pity as recluses are rarely depicted on film and when they do so, it is never in a positive light nor is little insight given into why they may reject or fear the callous world around them. As in this case, they are merely shown to be paranoid.Aside from this descent into paranoia, there is little character development until the film's end. The protagonist remains arrogant and aloof and his attempts at reforming are half-hearted until his final redemption after his period of reflection behind bars. The character of the law enforcer has little voice and is really just a personification of the forces of justice. Likewise, the females invoke sympathy but are of little interest in their own right.Bresson's spartan style is not yet mature here and the religious themes for which he would become renowned do not show through. Ultimately, though, this film is a wasted opportunity. With a tightened screenplay and better evocation of the characters' emotions it could have been one of Bresson's masterpieces.

kosmasp And I'm not talking about any loot, but about the audience. You will either love or loathe the movie. And while comparisons to Taxi Driver and other "loner movies" might be right, it's also true that they are far better written (and in Taxi Driver also with "real actors", in contrast to the non-professionals at hand here).If that is something that might not put you off, than maybe a few weird scenes might do the trick. The narrative seems to be all over the place, an unlikeable "hero" and pretentious script writing. And still through all the flaws, there are a few good moments in between. The existential questions it raises, but also the wry humour in places. Though not as solid as (I) expected, it still has a few points to make, through all the flaws it has.

aarondevoll Pickpocket involves a young man named Michel. He develops thievery as a hobby and soon meets another man who teaches him his craft.Shortly after, Michel is arrested. While in jail, everything is put into perspective for him and he reflects on his past crimes.After he is released, Michel's mother dies right before his eyes. His friend Jeanne tries to help Michel with his problems but like before, he reverts back to a life of pick pocketing.Michel realizes that he is under suspicion and flees the country for two years. When he returns, his desire to pick pocket has him put in jail again. Jeanne visits him and they both share a loving moment for each other.9/10. A simple plot that is masterfully directed. Pickpocket shows the point of view of a misunderstood person in a harsh, unforgiving world.