Turturro spends 24 days filming a five-borough pickpocketing saga

The film crew captured scenes across all five boroughs of New York City in just 24 days. Director Noah Segan, a fourth-generation New Yorker, set out to feature every part of the city in his latest project. The result is a movie shot entirely on location that claims a rare feat in cinema. Few films can say they cover the entire geographic footprint of the metropolis.

John Turturro stars as Harry Lehman, a native New Yorker living in a bygone era. He supports his disabled wife, Rosie, played by Karina Arroyave, by pickpocketing. After a theft goes wrong, Harry sets out to return the stolen goods. Turturro, known for his work in independent films and television series like Monk and Severance, called the role a different level of his life.

Turturro told ABC Audio that the character resonated with him because he is of a certain age. He knows what it is to be married and to have children. He has also lost his parents and brother. He is currently a guardian of someone. These are the same burdens Harry Lehman carries in the film.

The actor noted that he is not identical to the character. Harry struggles to survive in a world where everything has changed. He has difficulty with the technological world around him. He also lacks resources. Turturro described the screenplay as a gift. He said it is well structured and full of propulsive action. He added that it contains real tenderness and a sense of experience.

Segan said the crew felt a responsibility to the city and the star. He stated that New Yorkers will gas each other up and keep each other going. The decision to shoot on the street became a rallying cry for the production. It became a challenge that everyone got excited about. The director said the team did not want to let their ancestors or Turturro down.

Turturro studied the art of pickpocketing for the role. He said he is now very aware of the craft. He noticed specific watches during the shoot that would be hard to take. He is still aware of it now. He sees the opportunities for theft as he walks the streets of New York.

Segan admitted he got nervous that Turturro might act on his instincts. The actor would tell stories about seeing open bags on the subway. Segan recalled a conversation where Turturro said he thought for a minute about taking a lady's bag. The crew joked that they might have to bail John out as part of his rehearsal process.

Turturro did not go full method. Segan said the actor behaved himself. The Only Living Pickpocket in New York has expanded to wide release. It is now available to watch in theaters everywhere.