Bartleby

This adaptation of Herman Melville's classic short story 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' relocates the tale to a modern-day office setting. Bartleby, a meek copyist, begins to refuse to perform his duties, famously stating 'I would prefer not to.' His passive resistance baffles and frustrates his employer, leading to an exploration of alienation, conformity, and the absurdity of modern corporate life.

As a short film and an adaptation of a literary classic, "Bartleby" received limited mainstream critical attention. However, its fidelity to the source material and Paul Scofield's central performance were generally noted. It is often cited as an interesting, if somewhat somber, interpretation of Melville's seminal work.

• Praised for its faithful adaptation of Melville's iconic story.
• Paul Scofield's performance as Bartleby is considered a highlight, capturing the character's enigmatic nature.
• The film's stark portrayal of alienation and corporate indifference resonated with its artistic aims.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this 1970 short film is not readily available.

The film relocates the story from 19th-century Wall Street to a contemporary (for 1970) office environment, highlighting the enduring relevance of Melville's themes of alienation and passive resistance in the face of dehumanizing work.