review: Bartleby

It must be such a joy for a filmmaker to take such a widely known and read work such as Herman Melville's classic short story "Bartleby the Scrivener" and use it as a foundation in creating an original film. I have read Melville's standard several times and I read it again before seeing this movie and it is truly a great work. If, for any reason you have not read it, I highly recommend doing so as it is a quick read and it is public domain, so you can find it in its complete form for free all over the internet. It is a story with great charm and meaning. The difference between preference and need, between free-will and unreasonable rebellion, and between being a good employee and complying with rules and systems which are detrimental to the soul are all divided by a slender line (or office cubicle screen). Parker's film, Bartleby, doesn't miss that charm a bit, because it also creates a charm of its own in the process while it allows the themes of Melville to find their timeless relevance by translating in a rather effortless manner into the film's modern era. While the film is quite good, it is best when coupled with the original story as it evokes an even greater appreciation for the adaptive process at work. After all, adaptation is, in and of itself, an art form. Bartleby is exceptionally well cast especially, of course, Crispin Glover as Bartleby. I can't think of anyone who could play the title role better. Glover obviously has an ardent understanding of the eccentric and heroic Bartleby and evokes the character's subtle yet inspirational independence. READ and WATCH this remarkable legend and you should be pleasantly entertained. That is, of course, unless you'd prefer not to!