At Work released in Israel — Jerusalem Post
French director Valérie Donzelli's film At Work has been released in Israel. The film tells the story of Paul, a writer who tries to make a living after failing to sell his books. The lead role was played by Bastien Bouillon, also known for the films The Count of Monte Cristo and Leave One Day. This was reported in a Jerusalem Post review.
A writer in search of income
According to the plot, Paul previously ran a successful photography business, but left it several years ago to devote himself to writing novels. He has already published several books that were well received by critics, but they did not sell well.
The protagonist's editor, played by Virginie Ledoyen, is dissatisfied with his new manuscript — a memoir about a failed marriage. Paul has already spent his advance, and the editor does not provide him with additional funds.
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Paul's ex-wife, played by Donzelli, moves to Montreal with their teenage children. The review notes that the protagonist's royalty payments amount to only a few hundred euros per month. He declines his father's offer to reopen a photography studio and looks for part-time work in order to continue writing.
Work in the gig economy
Paul becomes a handyman on the Jobbers platform, where people looking for work compete with one another by lowering the prices of their services. The protagonist takes on difficult and lengthy tasks for 18–20 euros while also trying to work on his writing.
The review notes that Paul later finds a subject to write about by drawing on his experience of loneliness and humiliation in the gig economy. The review's author called the plot about a writer with financial and personal difficulties predictable, but praised Bouillon's performance. At Work was also placed in the tradition of French cinema about literature and writers.
