Bartleby Reviews
maxthesax
Super Reviewer
August 11, 2010
As presented here, the film attempts an update of the story, placing it in modern day within a faceless building. I would imagine that most of you know the story (I'm assuming that it is still required reading??) so I'm not going to go into the plot details; just let it be said that an odd soul answers an ad, gets hired and then begins stating that classic line whenever he is asked to do something other than simple filing: "I prefer not to".
In this interpretation, the office is filled (well, if you can call two other workers, a secretary and a boss, "filled") with odd types - Glenne Headley truly shines as the secretary and Joe Piscopo gives a fair turn as a suit wearing lothario, stuck in a job he hates.
At the center is David Paymer, who is the boss, and truly the focus of the film. He too is trapped, just doesn't realize it yet, and through it all his sense of humanity comes through - a fine performance.
Sadly, this was a very small budget film - not that this in itself was condemming, but I found the off beat humor a bit offsetting (but I guess required given the despair of the subject matter), and somehow it all didn't fit together - coming across more as a college film school take on the material; although the seque from a shot of an airconditioning grate to the outside of the building, making it look like bars of a prison cell, was a nice touch.
As the film fades to black and Paymer starts chanting "I prefer not to" shortly after mimicking the beginning scene where Bartleby grabs at the chain link that surrounds an overpass, you are left to wonder if the mantra is the key to freedom and if so, whether the true freedom can only come with making the ultimate sacrifice, turning your back on life itself.
You can discuss Mellville till the cows come home, but we're here to discuss the film - which, I suppose, has glimpses of a deeper meaning, but ultimately fails to offer a more compelling storyline. Ultimately, if you are familiar with the material, the interpretation offers nothing groundbreaking, and if you are uninitiated, you'll probably shrug at this and say WTF?
Having seen the original film version of this back in the early 70's (with Paul Scofield I believe), I was intrigued; wondering if my teen impressions of Mr. Melville's classic short story would have the same kind of impact.
As presented here, the film attempts an update of the story, placing it in modern day within a faceless building. I would imagine that most of you know the story (I'm assuming that it is still required reading??) so I'm not going to go into the plot details; just let it be said that an odd soul answers an ad, gets hired and then begins stating that classic line whenever he is asked to do something other than simple filing: "I prefer not to".
In this interpretation, the office is filled (well, if you can call two other workers, a secretary and a boss, "filled") with odd types - Glenne Headley truly shines as the secretary and Joe Piscopo gives a fair turn as a suit wearing lothario, stuck in a job he hates.
At the center is David Paymer, who is the boss, and truly the focus of the film. He too is trapped, just doesn't realize it yet, and through it all his sense of humanity comes through - a fine performance.
Sadly, this was a very small budget film - not that this in itself was condemming, but I found the off beat humor a bit offsetting (but I guess required given the despair of the subject matter), and somehow it all didn't fit together - coming across more as a college film school take on the material; although the seque from a shot of an airconditioning grate to the outside of the building, making it look like bars of a prison cell, was a nice touch.
As the film fades to black and Paymer starts chanting "I prefer not to" shortly after mimicking the beginning scene where Bartleby grabs at the chain link that surrounds an overpass, you are left to wonder if the mantra is the key to freedom and if so, whether the true freedom can only come with making the ultimate sacrifice, turning your back on life itself.
You can discuss Mellville till the cows come home, but we're here to discuss the film - which, I suppose, has glimpses of a deeper meaning, but ultimately fails to offer a more compelling storyline. Ultimately, if you are familiar with the material, the interpretation offers nothing groundbreaking, and if you are uninitiated, you'll probably shrug at this and say WTF?
April 1, 2008
I dig the short story quite a lot, and Crispin Glover is the absolute perfect cast for Bartleby the Scriviner.
June 15, 2009
Expected better. Melville's original story was great. Still fun to see insubordination pushed to the limit. How do I rate this film?? "I'd prefer not to..."
November 27, 2007
a hauntingly surreal and depressing look at the desperation of modern work-a-day life... the narrator has a few out of character moments when the narration doesnt quite match the character, but Glover is definitly a good fit for the film and Piscipoe is surprisingly good-granted, it might be a bit TOO depressive for the average viewer, but anyone stuck in a cubicle on a daily basis will relate to the film
March 9, 2008
I loved the music. I can see how some people would love this but it wasn't really working for me. The atmosphere was so dark comedy.
February 17, 2008
I loved this movie. It's one of the oddest and most open ended films I've ever seen. It just kind of sticks with you in this weird unexplainable way. Crispin Glover is great as a lonely and socially awkward office worker who begins to answer nearly every request/question posed to him with "I'd prefer not to". The whole movie's feel is complimented nicely with a musical backdrop consisting of mostly the Theramin. A must see if you don't mind something a little different. I can't recommend it more.
July 22, 2007
Crispin is right and the production design/theremin soundtrack quirk up this modern version of the famous short story.
Sailornova1
February 12, 2007
This is a story about humanity and homeless people in society. A portait of a single man whom nobody understood or seemed to care about...except for one person who is left changed forever by Bartleby proving that each person matters and counts!
FilmGrinder S.
April 28, 2013
I prefer not to...write a detailed account of what I thought of the film.
85%
I prefer not to...write a detailed account of what I thought of the film.
November 15, 2012
It means well, but it moves much too slowly to hold much interest for the characters or the story.
September 17, 2012
People who know me know that I love Crispin Glover, and all I can say here is that this movie succeeds thanks to an absolutely terrific performance from him. Not much to take away from it if you've previously read the short story. However, this is great interpretation, and Crispin Glover plays his part as the eccentric Bartelby absolutely perfectly.
John Serrano
August 25, 2011
For most of the movie, you are drawn in by Crispin Glover's glorious performance and the story's tantalizing mystery as to the story behind Bartleby's character. But tragically, by its end it feels monumentally disappointing. As a whole, the film does not do Herman Melville's original story justice, in fact, in almost makes a mockery of it. The entire story is never told and the parts that are not told appear to be expected to be figured out. And unless you are extraordinarily skilled in narrative interpretation, this may be extremely difficult for most viewers. And to those that don't "get it" may easily write off this film as being boring and pointless. Overall, the style and tone is interesting, but it never feels fully realized, as there are times when cliches are abound, such as the cheesy dream sequences. The film isn't terrible, it was just extremely close to being perfect. But that slight difference, made all the difference in the viewer's experience.
August 5, 2011
This movie succeeds in the difficult task of mixing Melville's stoic realism with humor. Vivian, Ernie and Rocky's characters are all different, perceptive and hilarious in their own ways. In contrast, Bartleby and his Boss are more serious figures, touching on Melville's questions about humanity and the purpose of it all. I love the funky 70s set and wardrobe.
maxthesax
Super Reviewer
August 11, 2010
As presented here, the film attempts an update of the story, placing it in modern day within a faceless building. I would imagine that most of you know the story (I'm assuming that it is still required reading??) so I'm not going to go into the plot details; just let it be said that an odd soul answers an ad, gets hired and then begins stating that classic line whenever he is asked to do something other than simple filing: "I prefer not to".
In this interpretation, the office is filled (well, if you can call two other workers, a secretary and a boss, "filled") with odd types - Glenne Headley truly shines as the secretary and Joe Piscopo gives a fair turn as a suit wearing lothario, stuck in a job he hates.
At the center is David Paymer, who is the boss, and truly the focus of the film. He too is trapped, just doesn't realize it yet, and through it all his sense of humanity comes through - a fine performance.
Sadly, this was a very small budget film - not that this in itself was condemming, but I found the off beat humor a bit offsetting (but I guess required given the despair of the subject matter), and somehow it all didn't fit together - coming across more as a college film school take on the material; although the seque from a shot of an airconditioning grate to the outside of the building, making it look like bars of a prison cell, was a nice touch.
As the film fades to black and Paymer starts chanting "I prefer not to" shortly after mimicking the beginning scene where Bartleby grabs at the chain link that surrounds an overpass, you are left to wonder if the mantra is the key to freedom and if so, whether the true freedom can only come with making the ultimate sacrifice, turning your back on life itself.
You can discuss Mellville till the cows come home, but we're here to discuss the film - which, I suppose, has glimpses of a deeper meaning, but ultimately fails to offer a more compelling storyline. Ultimately, if you are familiar with the material, the interpretation offers nothing groundbreaking, and if you are uninitiated, you'll probably shrug at this and say WTF?
Having seen the original film version of this back in the early 70's (with Paul Scofield I believe), I was intrigued; wondering if my teen impressions of Mr. Melville's classic short story would have the same kind of impact.
As presented here, the film attempts an update of the story, placing it in modern day within a faceless building. I would imagine that most of you know the story (I'm assuming that it is still required reading??) so I'm not going to go into the plot details; just let it be said that an odd soul answers an ad, gets hired and then begins stating that classic line whenever he is asked to do something other than simple filing: "I prefer not to".
In this interpretation, the office is filled (well, if you can call two other workers, a secretary and a boss, "filled") with odd types - Glenne Headley truly shines as the secretary and Joe Piscopo gives a fair turn as a suit wearing lothario, stuck in a job he hates.
At the center is David Paymer, who is the boss, and truly the focus of the film. He too is trapped, just doesn't realize it yet, and through it all his sense of humanity comes through - a fine performance.
Sadly, this was a very small budget film - not that this in itself was condemming, but I found the off beat humor a bit offsetting (but I guess required given the despair of the subject matter), and somehow it all didn't fit together - coming across more as a college film school take on the material; although the seque from a shot of an airconditioning grate to the outside of the building, making it look like bars of a prison cell, was a nice touch.
As the film fades to black and Paymer starts chanting "I prefer not to" shortly after mimicking the beginning scene where Bartleby grabs at the chain link that surrounds an overpass, you are left to wonder if the mantra is the key to freedom and if so, whether the true freedom can only come with making the ultimate sacrifice, turning your back on life itself.
You can discuss Mellville till the cows come home, but we're here to discuss the film - which, I suppose, has glimpses of a deeper meaning, but ultimately fails to offer a more compelling storyline. Ultimately, if you are familiar with the material, the interpretation offers nothing groundbreaking, and if you are uninitiated, you'll probably shrug at this and say WTF?
ayn
April 1, 2010
A fun, fine and fresh modern adaptation from the original "bartleby the scrivener" by Melville. anyone who has a soul-crushing office job will appreciate this movie. Great direction, visuals and office design.
leatherfink
February 2, 2004
It sucks. One of those movies you can hardly sit through. One one good laugh in it- an ad in the paper: "Job Opportunity: Dull, tedious work, [b]vibrating workplace"[/b]
