Where to start
Crime and Punishment
2 versions · originally a book, 1968
Themes: Guilt and Redemption, Moral Dilemma, Existentialism, Poverty, Social Injustice.
These works explore the psychological disintegration of an isolated criminal grappling with the moral consequences of his transgression.
✦ Most fans start here
Crime and Punishment (1968)

The original novel
✦ Start hereCrime and Punishment
Fedor Mikhailovich Dostoevskii · Book · 1968
Crime and Punishment (1968) serves as the definitive source material, offering an exhaustive exploration of Raskolnikov's internal moral collapse and his complex battle against both the police and his conscience.

1959 film
Pickpocket
Robert Bresson · Film · 1959
Pickpocket (1959) provides a stark, minimalist cinematic interpretation of the criminal psyche, focusing on the protagonist's descent into theft and the tension between his isolation and the influence of his companions.
Common questions
Is Crime and Punishment the original source material for the film Pickpocket?
Yes, Crime and Punishment served as a primary inspiration for Robert Bresson when he directed the 1959 film Pickpocket. The movie adapts the psychological themes and moral dilemmas found within the narrative of Crime and Punishment to a different setting and protagonist.
Should I read the 1968 edition of Crime and Punishment before watching Pickpocket?
Reading the 1968 edition of Crime and Punishment provides necessary context for the themes explored in Pickpocket. While the film is a distinct artistic interpretation, understanding the original source material helps clarify the philosophical motivations and internal conflicts of the main character.
How long is the 1968 edition of Crime and Punishment?
The 1968 edition of Crime and Punishment is a comprehensive novel that explores deep psychological and moral questions. The length varies by publisher, but as a classic work of literature, it requires significant time to fully process the complex narrative arc and character development.
Is Crime and Punishment related to the plot of Pickpocket?
Pickpocket is thematically linked to Crime and Punishment. The film draws heavily from the core concepts of the book, specifically the internal struggle of a protagonist committing a crime to test their own morality, which is the central focus of the narrative in Crime and Punishment.