He is a decent person, but there are certain things that get to him, which is why he feels he must steal. Indeed, the actor who plays the protagonist here is actually very good, aside from the disconnection, and provides an excellent way for us to get along his side. Whatever it sets up for this actor to do, it sets up well. And yet, this is really made up tenfold with the sort of style that can be likely called Bressonian straightforward angles, tense medium close-ups, serene editing, and little to no music. But my only minor nitpick with the film is that it leaves a sort of cold viewing on a viewer, with such simplicity and emotions stripped from the character(s) that it's hard to connect. Bresson's use of the camera is often intoxicating in the most subdued, subtle, in-direct distinctions at times it does take on the prowess of literature. Robert Bresson's Pickpocket has many great moments, even as it didn't quite do it for me on a first viewing as a 'masterpiece'(some have said to see it twice, perhaps I will).
Reviewed by Quinoa1984 9 / 10 simple is as simple does, which includes stealing and living an isolated life
