THe story is about a very emotionally constricted man who has a compulsion to steal. On top of that, he's obviously read some Nietsche and feels entitled to steal, as he is superior to those around him and every time he steals, he proves this to himself.
I know there are many folks out there that LOVE the French New Wave. As for me, I love some and I hate some--and I hated "Pickpocket". Now I understand that the director deliberately made this film as non-elegantly and non-Hollywood as possible. And, I know that the minimalist acting style was part of the mystique of many New Wave films. My problem is that I just didn't care, as the main character was about as interesting as a block of moldy cheese. No...moldy cheese is infinitely more interesting! It's is really a shame, as there WAS the basis of an interesting story here but the film was so muted and low=tempo that I literally found myself falling asleep as I watched it. It's a shame, as the scenes where the leading man shows off his skills at picking pockets are wonderful. Overall, you could find many things more interesting than watching this film...many.
I know there are many folks out there that LOVE the French New Wave. As for me, I love some and I hate some--and I hated "Pickpocket". Now I understand that the director deliberately made this film as non-elegantly and non-Hollywood as possible. And, I know that the minimalist acting style was part of the mystique of many New Wave films. My problem is that I just didn't care, as the main character was about as interesting as a block of moldy cheese. No...moldy cheese is infinitely more interesting! It's is really a shame, as there WAS the basis of an interesting story here but the film was so muted and low=tempo that I literally found myself falling asleep as I watched it. It's a shame, as the scenes where the leading man shows off his skills at picking pockets are wonderful. Overall, you could find many things more interesting than watching this film...many.