Story
Directed by the influential French filmmaker Robert Bresson, **Pickpocket** (1959) is a seminal work in the genre of crime drama, reflecting Bresson’s minimalist style. The film follows the story of Michel, a young man who takes up pickpocketing as an alternative to traditional employment. Despite his initial successes, Michel’s life becomes increasingly complex, blending moral and existential questions. The plot is loosely inspired by Dostoevsky’s novel *Crime and Punishment* and serves as an exploration of themes such as free will, guilt, and redemption.Robert Bresson is renowned for his ascetic approach to filmmaking, often referred to as transcendent or "pure cinema." His technique included the use of non-professional actors whom he referred to as "models," and a minimalist style that eschewed conventional narrative cinema’s emotional manipulations. This particular film casts Martin LaSalle, a non-professional actor, as the protagonist Michel. LaSalle’s muted yet impactful performance aligns perfectly with Bresson’s vision, creating a character that is both intriguing and unsettling. The rest of the cast includes Marika Green as Jeanne, who provides a crucial emotional counterpoint to Michel’s solitary existence.While **Pickpocket** was not a significant commercial success upon its initial release, its reputation has grown substantially over the decades. It is now considered a classic of world cinema and has influenced numerous filmmakers, including Paul Schrader and the Dardenne brothers. The film has been studied for its meticulous craftsmanship and profound thematic depth, earning a place in the Criterion Collection and other retrospectives of Bresson’s work. Even today, it stands as a testament to Bresson’s unique vision, blending elements of psychological drama and philosophical inquiry into a concise, compelling narrative.
