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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Bartleby.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Bartleby Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1976)

Adaptation of the classic Herman Melville short story. The narrator, an elderly Manhattan lawyer with a very comfortable business helping wealthy men deal with mortgages, deeds, an...

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Bartleby offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1976 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Bartleby (1976), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Adaptation of the classic Herman Melville short story. The narrator, an elderly Manhattan lawyer with a very comfortable business helping wealthy men deal with mortgages, deeds, and bonds, relates the story of the strangest man he has ever known."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Maxence Mailfort does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Bartleby worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Bartleby is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 97 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.

⏳ Time Investment

97MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.