Directed by Valérie Donzelli and co-written with Gilles Marchand, À pied d’œuvre is a French dramatic comedy anchored by Bastien Bouillon, André Marcon, and Virginie Ledoyen. Adapted from Franck Courtès’s autobiographical novel, the film traces the unconventional journey of a well-established artist who makes the bold decision to leave his career behind and focus solely on writing. Having premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2025, where it earned two awards for Best Screenplay, the movie is scheduled for release in French theaters on February 4, 2026.
The story begins with a commonly romanticized vision: the world of artistic creation. A successful photographer, the protagonist chooses to leave his comfortable career behind to pursue writing, believing that true fulfillment lies in literature. However, he quickly faces a series of setbacks, where each milestone — publishing, being read, gaining recognition — proves more elusive than the last.
As the years go by, artistic success gives way to severe financial hardship. The film tracks this gradual slide into poverty, avoiding sentimentality, by depicting the real-world impact of this shift on everyday life, family relationships, and self-identity. Between stubbornness and vulnerability, the main character continues to chase their dream, even as it isolates them further.
After Love and the Forests, Valérie Donzelli continues her exploration of intimate journeys shaped by profound existential choices. The project draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of Franck Courtès, a photographer turned novelist, whose book served as the basis for the screenplay. Filmed in France, the movie takes a minimalist approach, emphasizing everyday settings and a focus on physicality and silences. Its screenplay was recognized at the Venice Film Festival 2025, highlighting the uniqueness of this adaptation.
The tone shifts between keen observation and subtle melancholy, with a particular focus on the contradictions within the cultural world. The minimalist direction complements an introspective story that appeals to viewers who appreciate auteur films and reflections on creativity. By its very subject, À pied d’œuvre aligns with a tradition of films that question artistic vocation and its toll, echoing portraits of writers and artists undergoing moments of rupture.
Getting to Work
Film | 2026
Release Date: February 4, 2026
Drama Comedy | Runtime: 1h 32min
Directed by Valérie Donzelli | Starring Bastien Bouillon, André Marcon, Virginie Ledoyen
Nationality: France
Following the journey of a man grappling with the gap between symbolic recognition and tangible reality, À pied d’œuvre offers a thoughtful meditation on the worth of artistic labor. The film highlights the enduring passion for creation, even when faced with economic hardship, and belongs to a body of cinema that thoughtfully explores contemporary vulnerabilities.
To extend your cinema experience, check out the February movie releases, the current must-see films, and our pick of the best dramedies of the year.
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