With a police inspector (Jean Pélégri) keeping an eye on him, Michel also tries to get a straight job, but the temptation to steal is hard to resist. Primarily concerning self-fulfilment and redemption through love it has seldom been equalled as a philosophical treatise on the subject.

‘Pickpocket’ is an elegantly crafted, tautly choreographed study of humanity in all its mischief and grace.