Is Bartleby Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Bartleby is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 85 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 2001, Bartleby emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An adaptation of Herman Melville's short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener" told in the setting of a modern office. 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 Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bartleby features a noteworthy lineup led by Crispin Glover . Supported by the likes of David Paymer and Glenne Headly , 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 (2001) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Bartleby Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Bartleby is a Comedy, Drama film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Bartleby Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Bartleby attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy 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 comedy 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?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Bartleby
- Crispin Glover – Bartleby
- David Paymer – The Boss
- Glenne Headly – Vivian
- Joe Piscopo – Rocky
- Maury Chaykin – Ernest
Top Highlights
Crispin GloverBartleby
David PaymerThe Boss
Glenne HeadlyVivian
Joe PiscopoRocky
Maury ChaykinErnest
Seymour CasselFrank Waxman
Dick MartinThe Mayor
Carrie SnodgressBook Publisher
Greta Danielle NewgrenBoss's Date
Ken MurakamiLandlord
Where to Watch Bartleby Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Bartleby is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Bartleby stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2001 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartleby movie hit or flop?
Bartleby has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 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 Comedy, 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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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
