Pickpocket

In one of Robert Bresson’s most admired, intriguing and influential films, resolute drifter Michel spends his days learning the art of pickpocketing and targeting the unsuspecting citizens of 1950s Paris. Following his inevitable arrest (and almost immediate release) he begins to reflect on the morality of crime, spouting vague theories about exceptional individuals being above the law. Lost in another world, he rejects the support of his friends in favour of pickpocketing, and the only way he can seem to find a place for himself in society is to engineer a head-on collision with it. Product Features Presented in High Definition Robert Bresson Q&A (1971, audio only, 47 mins): the director in conversation with John Russell Taylor, recorded on stage at the NFT during the 15th London Film Festival Paul Schrader on Pickpocket (2022, 11 mins): Schrader discusses his relationship with Bresson’s film and how it has influenced him The Models of Pickpocket (2003, 52 mins): Babette Mangolte’s documentary tracks down Pickpocket’s performers to discuss their experiences of working with Bresson Archive shorts: Thefts From Handbags (1961, 1 min): British television spot warning women to watch out for thieves; Snatch of the Day (1975, 1 min): John Krish’s sporty public information film on the tricks of the pickpocketing trade; Four Men in Prison (1950, 41 mins): controversial drama-documentary from the Crown Film Unit using real-life prison situations to address the purpose of incarceration Original theatrical trailer Reissue trailer (2022) ***FIRST PRESSING ONLY*** Illustrated booklet featuring writing from Adrian Martin, Michael Brooke and Steven Foxon