Description
Filming The Only Living Pickpocket in New York meant taking John Turturro onto real New York City subway trains, shooting without permits, and hoping the police wouldn't shut everything down. But when two officers approached the production, what happened next was pure New York.
John Turturro and writer-director Noah Segan join Collider to discuss the unconventional filming methods behind their 2026 movie, including the challenges and unexpected rewards of shooting in actual New York neighborhoods.
Segan recalls filming incognito on subway trains when two police officers approached the crew. Instead of stopping the production, the officers recognized Turturro and continued on their way. The filmmakers also explain how real New Yorkers became an essential part of the movie's atmosphere, from spontaneous conversations on the street to a memorable encounter with someone who called Turturro a legend.
The conversation also explores the authentic Queens pawn shop that doubled for a Bronx location, the film's five-week shooting schedule, and the collaboration that helped bring Harry's story to life.
Turturro shares why Segan's screenplay resonated with him, particularly its exploration of aging, economic uncertainty, and a changing New York City.
Chapters:
0:00 Filming in Real NYC Neighborhoods
0:39 Finding the Perfect Pawn Shop Location
1:19 Shooting on Subway Trains Without Permits
2:07 The NYPD Encounter During Filming
2:42 Real New Yorkers Interacting With John Turturro
3:37 Why Noah Segan's Screenplay Impressed Turturro
4:47 Making the Movie in Just Five Weeks
5:08 John Turturro's Unusual Director Test
6:27 Collaborating Behind the Scenes
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Video By Michael Zimmermann & Joaquin Rodriguez Carvalho
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