A Pied d’Oeuvre
A low-key drama about a man who gives up his successful career as a photographer to devote himself to his true passion: writing. Winner of the Golden Osella (award for best screenplay) at the Venice Film Festival.
Paul Marquet follows his heart and trades his comfortable life as a photographer for a career as a writer. When his books barely sell, his financial resources run dry and he gradually finds himself in a situation of uncertainty. To supplement his meagre income, he takes on odd jobs as a handyman – initially confrontational and sobering, but gradually also a source of inspiration for his writing.
À Pied d’Oeuvre is an intimate tale, at once lucid and self-deprecating, about the vulnerability of a Parisian artist willing to pay the ultimate price for his freedom. The film is based on the autobiography of the same name by Franck Courtes. With a strong and understated lead performance by Bastien Bouillon, and director Valérie Donzelli as Paul’s ex-wife, the film explores what it means to keep creating, whatever the cost.