Bartleby
Bartleby

Movie spotlight

Bartleby

2001
Movie
85 min
English

An adaptation of Herman Melville's short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener" told in the setting of a modern office.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes61%
Metacritic57/100
Google Users70%
Director: Jonathan ParkerGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A burnt-out advertising executive, desperate for a less stressful job, hires an odd new assistant named Bartleby. Bartleby is remarkably efficient and meticulous, but soon begins to refuse tasks, first with polite 'I would prefer not to,' and then with increasing stubbornness. His passive resistance throws the executive's life into chaos as he tries to understand and deal with his uncooperative employee.

Critical Reception

Bartleby received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its unique premise and Crispin Glover's performance, while some found the film's pacing and resolution to be somewhat uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive concept and Crispin Glover's compelling portrayal of the titular character.

  • Noted for its darkly humorous take on workplace alienation and existential dread.

  • Some found the film's slow burn and ambiguous ending to be less satisfying.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's originality and Glover's standout performance, appreciating its thought-provoking themes. Some viewers wished for a more direct or concrete resolution to Bartleby's enigmatic behavior.

Fun Fact

The film is a modern interpretation of Herman Melville's 1853 short story of the same name, transplanting the theme of passive resistance into the contemporary corporate world.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review