I found myself surprisingly disappointed by this feature film based on a Herman Melville piece and starring Crispin Glover as Bartleby. Glover, in fact, fits the role perfect and does a fairly nice job here...however, David Paymer, as The Boss seems to be portrayed rather weakly and in such a crucial role simply doesn't hold up. Other cast members with varying degrees of success include the fairly solid Glenne Headly, Joe Piscopo in basically a caricature and Carrie Snodgress. Much like his turn in the remake of "Willard," I'm not sure there's another actor around who could have pulled off this part...Glover carries the film but ultimately his performance is for naught as the film drowns thanks to director Jonathan Parker...who simply seems to be trying to hard to make a meaningful film. Visually appealing and with an atmosphere that fits the mood of the script, this film is not a complete waste of time but I can't picture it appealing to too many people. Glover fans, however, will revel in it and this interesting take on the Melville novel will most likely appeal to purists.

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic