Embracing Agency and Choice: Insights from Bastien Bouillon in Venice

Bastien Bouillon Navigates Rising Fame and Creative Freedom with New Film ‘At Work‘

Venice, Italy – French actor Bastien Bouillon, currently one of cinema’s most sought-after talents, is reflecting on a career trajectory that has shifted from seeking opportunities to selectively choosing them. He is currently showcasing his latest work, “At Work,” directed by Valérie Donzelli, at the 82nd International Film Festival in Venice. The film explores the life of a photographer who abandons a pleasant existence to pursue a career as a writer.

“I have always had the choice,” Bouillon stated in a recent interview. He explained that, previously, his career hinged on accepting available roles, but now he’s in the enviable position of evaluating multiple projects. This shift comes after earning the César Award for Best male Hope in 2023 for his performance in “The Night of the 12” by Dominique Moll.

A prolific Year for the Actor

Bouillon’s recent success isn’t limited to “At Work.” He’s experiencing a notably prolific period, highlighted by the critical acclaim of “Leaving a Day,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to enthusiastic reviews. This wave of success comes after years of steadily building a reputation for versatility and depth.

Delving into ‘At Work’

In “at Work”, an adaptation of Franck Courtès’s autobiography of the same name, Bouillon portrays Paul Marquet, a former photographer who rejects a life of comfort to follow his passion for writing. Marquet faces disapproval from those around him, isolation, and the pressures of his publisher, Virginia Ledoyen, all while taking on a series of menial jobs to make ends meet. The film is currently in contention for the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival.

According to Donzelli, the film offers a portrait of a man embracing freedom and rejecting societal expectations. Donzelli herself took a similar path, abandoning a career in architecture to pursue acting. This shared experience clearly resonates within their collaboration.

A Longstanding Collaboration

“At Work” marks the fourth time Donzelli and Bouillon have worked together. She specifically wanted to give him “a real big role” after a small appearance in her 2011 film, “The War is Declared.” Donzelli emphasizes that Bouillon possesses a rare ability to elevate even underdeveloped roles, imbuing them with significant emotional resonance.

Themes of Modern Life: Work, Freedom, and Value

The film’s narrative extends beyond a personal journey; it probes broader questions about the devaluation of intellectual work, the pressures of conformity, and the challenges posed by the gig economy and algorithmic work valuation. According to a 2023 report by the McKinsey Global Institute, approximately 30% of work activities globally could be automated by 2030, further fueling anxieties about job security and the future of work.

From left to right: french actress Virginie Ledoyen, French director Valérie Donzelli and French actor Bastien Bouillon at the Venice Film Festival, August 29, 2025. (Tiziana Fabi / AFP)

Donzelli acknowledged the cyclical nature of an acting career, stating, “We can be (at the top), then we go back down.” She echoes a sentiment from the film, noting that completion of a creative work doesn’t guarantee publication, publication doesn’t ensure success, and success is never assured.

Future Projects and a Diversified Portfolio

2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Bouillon. Following “In the Coming Days” (nathalie Najem), he will appear in “Connemara” by alex Lutz, based on Nicolas Mathieu’s novel, and is slated for a role in Michel gondry’s upcoming project.He intentionally avoided immediately taking on numerous projects after winning the César award, wanting to avoid overexposure.

Bouillon embraces a “plural cinema,” allowing him to navigate different roles without being typecast. He says he prioritizes the human aspect of each role, considering characters just as carefully as the script itself. “I never extract my score by saying + there, I will have fun + (…) I try to see things in a whole,” he explained.

The Changing Landscape of Artistic Success

The challenges faced by Paul Marquet in “At Work” – the struggle for artistic validation, financial instability, and societal pressure – mirror the realities for many creatives in the modern era. The rise of social media and the creator economy have democratized content creation but have also intensified competition and the need for self-promotion. A 2024 study by Arts Council England found that 52% of creative workers are freelance,highlighting the precarity of many artistic careers.

Bastien Bouillon’s approach to choosing roles – prioritizing human connection and holistic understanding – represents a mindful approach to career advancement in a fast-paced and demanding industry. His commitment to a diversified portfolio aligns with growing industry trends where actors and filmmakers increasingly seek independence and control over their artistic output.

What are your thoughts on the challenges faced by artists in today’s society? Do you think the film accurately reflects the current cultural climate?

Share this article with your network and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

How does Bastien Bouillon’s work challenge the traditional role of the architect?

the Venetian Context: A City of Constraints & Opportunities

Bastien Bouillon’s work in Venice, particularly his interventions within the Arsenale during the venice Biennale, isn’t simply about architectural design. It’s a profound exploration of agency, choice, and how we navigate systems – both built and societal. Venice itself provides a uniquely compelling backdrop. The city, historically a powerful maritime republic, is now facing existential challenges: rising sea levels, overtourism, and a dwindling permanent population. These constraints, however, aren’t viewed by bouillon as limitations, but as fertile ground for innovative thinking and empowering local communities. His projects frequently enough focus on participatory design, recognizing that lasting solutions require the active involvement of those most affected.

Deconstructing the Architect’s role: From Author to Facilitator

Bouillon’s approach fundamentally challenges the traditional role of the architect as a sole author of design. he advocates for a shift towards a facilitator model,where the architect’s expertise lies in creating frameworks and processes that enable communities to shape their own environments. This is particularly evident in his work with the Arsenale, a historic shipyard that has become a key venue for the Venice biennale.

Collaborative workshops: Bouillon frequently employs collaborative workshops, bringing together residents, artisans, and other stakeholders to co-create design solutions.

Open-Source Design: He champions the use of open-source design principles, making designs freely available and adaptable, fostering a sense of collective ownership.

Local Materiality: A strong emphasis is placed on utilizing local materials and traditional building techniques, reinforcing a connection to place and supporting local economies. This ties into the broader concept of enduring architecture.

This move away from top-down planning is crucial for fostering a sense of civic engagement and ensuring that projects are truly responsive to the needs of the community.

The Power of Provisionality: Embracing Impermanence in Design

A recurring theme in Bouillon’s work is the embrace of provisionality. Rather than striving for permanence, he often designs structures and interventions that are temporary or adaptable. This approach is particularly relevant in Venice, a city constantly negotiating with the forces of water and change.

Consider the use of readily available, often recycled, materials. This isn’t simply an aesthetic choice; it’s a pragmatic response to the challenges of building in a fragile habitat. It also encourages a mindset of experimentation and adaptation.

Adaptable Structures: Designs are often modular and easily reconfigured, allowing them to respond to changing needs.

Lightweight Construction: Utilizing lightweight materials minimizes the impact on existing structures and reduces transportation costs.

Circular Economy Principles: The emphasis on reuse and recycling aligns with the principles of a circular economy, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.

Case Study: The Arsenale projects & community Empowerment

Bouillon’s interventions within the Arsenale during the Venice Biennale have served as powerful examples of his beliefs in action. These projects haven’t been about imposing grand architectural statements,but about creating spaces for dialog,collaboration,and community building.

Specifically, his work has focused on reactivating underutilized spaces within the arsenale, transforming them into workshops, exhibition areas, and gathering places. This has involved:

1. Identifying Community Needs: Extensive consultations with local residents and artisans to understand their priorities and challenges.
2. Co-Designing Solutions: Collaborative workshops where participants actively contributed to the design process.
3. Implementing flexible Structures: Building temporary structures using readily available materials,allowing for adaptability and experimentation.

The result has been a revitalization of the Arsenale, not as a static museum, but as a dynamic hub for creativity and innovation. This demonstrates the tangible benefits of prioritizing community-led design.

Agency & Choice in a Changing World: Broader implications

The lessons from Bouillon’s work in Venice extend far beyond the context of a single city. His emphasis on agency, choice, and participatory design offers a valuable framework for addressing complex challenges in a variety of settings.

Urban Planning: Applying participatory design principles to urban planning projects can ensure that developments are responsive to the needs of local communities.

Disaster Relief: empowering affected communities to participate in the reconstruction process can lead to more resilient and sustainable solutions.

Social Innovation: Creating platforms for collaboration and co-creation can foster innovation and address social challenges more effectively.

Ultimately, Bouillon’s work reminds us that design isn’t just about creating lovely objects or functional spaces; it’s about empowering people to shape their own futures.The concept of design thinking is central to this approach, emphasizing empathy, experimentation, and iteration.

Practical Tips for Embracing Agency in Design Projects

here are some actionable steps you can take to incorporate Bouillon’s principles into your own design projects:

Prioritize Stakeholder Engagement: Actively seek input from all stakeholders, especially those who will be most affected by the project.

Embrace Open-Source Tools: Utilize open-source design software and platforms to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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