New Arrival Pickpocket (Region B)

In one ofRobert Bressonsmost 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.

One of Bressons masterworksThe Guardian

Cerebral and resolutely sensualTime Out

An unmitigated masterpieceI adorePickpocketand can watch it endlessly. To me its as close to perfect as there can bePaul Schrader

• Presented in High Definition
• Robert Bresson Q&A (1971, audio only, 47 mins): the director in conversation with John Russell Taylor, recorded on stage at the NFT during the 15th London Film Festival
• Paul Schrader onPickpocket(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 on the tricks of the pickpocketing trade;Four Men in Prison(1950, 41 mins): controversial drama-documentary from the Crown Film Unit using real-life prison situations to address the purpose of incarceration
• Original theatrical trailer
• Reissue trailer (2022)
• ***FIRST PRESSING ONLY*** Illustrated booklet featuring writing from Adrian Martin, Michael Brooke and Steven Foxon