Is Bartleby Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Bartleby is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 78 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Bartleby Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1970, Bartleby emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An asocial and enigmatic office clerk refuses to do his work, leaving it up to his boss to decide what should be done with him. Unlike standard genre fare, Bartleby attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bartleby features a noteworthy lineup led by Paul Scofield . Supported by the likes of John McEnery and Thorley Walters , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Bartleby (1970) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Bartleby Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Bartleby is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Bartleby Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Bartleby concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Bartleby reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Bartleby?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of Bartleby
- Paul Scofield – The Accountant
- John McEnery – Bartleby
- Thorley Walters – The Colleague
- Colin Jeavons – Tucker
- Raymond Mason – Landlord
Top Highlights
Paul ScofieldThe Accountant
John McEneryBartleby
Thorley WaltersThe Colleague
Colin JeavonsTucker
Raymond MasonLandlord
Charles KinrossTenant
Neville BarberFirst Client
Robin AskwithOffice Boy
Hope JackmanHilda - Tealady
John WatsonDoctor
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Bartleby has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Bartleby stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1970 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartleby movie hit or flop?
Bartleby has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Bartleby worth watching?
Bartleby is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Bartleby online?
Bartleby may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Bartleby Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Bartleby
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
