Robert Bressons Pickpocket (1959) is a minimalist masterpiece of moral tension and redemption. Following a lonely Parisian thief whose compulsion becomes both art and self-destruction, it stands as a defining Psychological Drama and Crime Drama an austere, philosophical study of guilt, grace, and human isolation in postwar France.

In one of Robert Bressons 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.

After his inevitable arrest (and almost immediate release) Michel reflects on the morality of crime, developing a vague theory that exceptional individuals are above the law. Lost in another world, he rejects his friends in favour of a life of crime and is seemingly set on finding his place in the world by engineering a head-on collision with society.

Från IMDB:
Michel passes the time by picking pockets, careful to never be caught despite being watched by the police. His friend Jacques may suspect, while both men may have their eyes on Jeanne, the pretty neighbor of Michels ailing mother.

Special features

Presented in High Definition

Robert Bresson Q&A (1971, 47 mins, audio only): 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 Bressons film and how it has influenced him

The Models of Pickpocket (2003, 52 mins): Babette Mangoltes documentary tracks down Pickpockets 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 Krishs sporty public information film of th