Turturro Trains With Sleight-Of-Hand Expert For Pickpocket Role

Actor John Turturro learned to steal wallets from his back pockets while preparing for The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. He spent time with Apollo Robbins, a well-known sleight-of-hand artist, who coached him on misdirection techniques. Turturro practiced the moves frequently in the production office and on set to prepare for his role as Harry, a professional thief.

In the film, Harry serves as the primary caregiver for his wife, who is in a catatonic state. His life becomes complicated when he steals the backpack of a college student who is the grandson of a crime boss. Turturro noted that certain clothing makes pickpocketing easier. He explained that tight horizontal pockets in jeans are difficult to access, but back pockets are more vulnerable. He added that a purse or backpack with an open zipper on the back is the easiest target.

The interview also covered Turturro’s role as the legal guardian for his late brother, who had schizophrenia. Turturro described the process of finding housing and hiring aides to manage his brother’s care. He said his brother could be abusive and unpredictable, which kept Turturro on high alert. They eventually found a monthly medication that helped, but Turturro recalled times when his brother was hospitalized after acting out. Turturro said he learned a lot about human behavior and his own ability to withstand stress during this period.

Turturro discussed growing up in a household affected by his father’s post-traumatic stress disorder from World War II. His father was on a destroyer that hit a mine during D-Day. Turturro said he saw a lot of violence growing up and often had to calm the situation. He described his home as similar to an acting class because of the intense, real-life emotions. He noted that women were the glue holding these tumultuous households together, and he felt comfortable working with them in his career.

The actor shared that he grew up in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Hollis, Queens, for his first six years. He had no white friends during that time. When he moved to Rosedale, he felt prejudiced against because people assumed he was Puerto Rican. Turturro said these experiences helped him understand a multicultural world. He formed a strong bond with director Spike Lee because Lee also grew up in an Italian neighborhood. Turturro said he wanted to play the racist character in Do the Right Thing because it exposed the reality of the role.

Turturro, who is 69, said he feels rich in experience as an actor. He noted that while he cannot move as quickly as he once did, he has a larger toolbox of life experiences. He can be more precise and understand stillness. He sees his character in the new film as someone who has lived a lot of life, a trait he recognizes in himself.