Pickpocket(1959)

The movie begins with Michel (Martin LaSalle), a young man in Paris, writing in his journal about his belief that some individuals are above the law. He starts stealing small items, like wallets, as a way to test his theory. Michel’s mother is ill, and he feels guilty for not helping her financially, but he avoids visiting her. Instead, he spends time with Jeanne (Marika Green), a neighbor who cares for his mother. Jeanne is kind and patient, but Michel keeps her at a distance, refusing to let her get close to him emotionally.

Michel’s first major theft occurs at a racetrack, where he successfully steals money from a spectator. However, he is soon caught by the police but released due to lack of evidence. This brushes with the law only emboldens Michel, and he begins to see pickpocketing as a skill to master. He meets a professional pickpocket (Kassagi), who teaches him advanced techniques. Michel joins a group of thieves, and they work together to steal from unsuspecting victims in crowded places like train stations and metro cars.

As Michel becomes more skilled, he grows increasingly isolated. He avoids his dying mother and rejects Jeanne’s attempts to connect with him. A police inspector (Jean Pélégri) suspects Michel of theft and tries to warn him about the consequences of his actions, but Michel arrogantly dismisses him. Michel’s mother eventually passes away, and he inherits a small amount of money, but he continues to steal, driven by his belief in his own superiority.

Michel’s arrogance leads to his downfall. During a pickpocketing attempt at a train station, he is caught and arrested. He is sentenced to prison, where he reflects on his life and choices. In prison, Michel begins to understand the emptiness of his philosophy and the depth of his loneliness. Jeanne visits him, and for the first time, Michel allows himself to connect with her emotionally. The film ends with Michel embracing Jeanne through the prison bars, symbolizing his acceptance of love and human connection as the true path to redemption.