(2001)
2
Jason Buchanan
The opening credits of Bartleby begin with the bleak observation that following the publication of Bartleby the Scrivener, the story's author, Herman Melville, was relegated to obscurity and eventually died alone and destitute. This tragic fact may at first seem a mere curious observation when one considers that the author had previously penned Moby Dick, one of the greatest adventures of all time, but it becomes sadly symbolic when paralleled with the ultimate fate of Bartleby. Advertised as a zany comedy (the poster claimed "HILARIOUS!" in bold, all-capitol letters), this celluloid adaptation of Melville's dark tale of mental illness and the deadening effects of thankless rank and file employment is in fact one of the most painfully poignant and depressingly acute depictions of the soul-sucking effects of office work ever committed to film. Though thoroughly downbeat and paced accordingly, the film isn't without its affectionate quirk and knowing humor. In films such as Office Space this malaise is played solely for laughs, though Bartleby painfully and thoroughly explores the madness of indifference and the shockwave effects on the susceptible and unguarded souls who, through sympathy, leave themselves open to the same destruction. Ideally cast as the titular character who simply would "prefer not to," Crispin Glover provides the perfect embodiment of the detached rebel who refuses to comply not out of anger or dislike for his job, but out of total and complete indifference. Perfectly complimenting Glover's portrayal is David Paymer as "The Boss." Striking just the right note of frustration and sympathy to his mysterious new charge, Paymer provides the perfect contrast in the form of a boss who does more than his all to understand and help Bartleby. Rounding out the rest of the cast as the secretary and Bartleby's co-workers, respectively, Glenne Headly, Joe Piscopo, and Maury Chaykin portray the archetypes of Bartleby's bewildered and desperately distracted co-workers with just the right amount of quirk and cruelty.
Likewise, Seth Asarnow's theremin-based score provides the perfect auditory accompaniment to the film's downbeat but hauntingly humorous tone.
Bartleby on AllMovie
Bartleby (2001)
