Events of the biographical drama unfold at the end of the First World War in the capital of France in 1919. Parisian life in the dark is once again filled with passions and uncontrolled drives. Among other things, the Rotunda cafeteria is accentuated, it serves as a kind of headquarters for the artistic elite not only of Paris, but also of Europe. Regular visitors to this cultural institution are the well-known personalities of Pablo Picasso, Maurice Utrillo, Amedeo Modigliani, Cocteau, Rivera, Soutine and others.
The plot focuses on the reckless and stern confrontation of the talents of the two pillars of the culture of Pablo and Amedeo, fueled by arrogance and mutual envy. The Spanish painter by that time had already managed to win the favor of the public and was enjoying the rays of fame, while Modigliani, who was a drunkard, a rebel and an ardent lover, was actually not well known to anyone. When the restaurant administration announces the sensational highly artistic competition, the rival guys also take part in it. For the representative of expressionism, this is not only a new opportunity to compete with rivals, but also the prospect of becoming recognizable and prosperous. High society circles were already shocked by his vivid romance with the young beauty Jeanne Hébutern, the boy’s labors shock the public, but the hero’s poverty only worsens his relationship with his beloved relatives.
On the night before the defining competition, its participants write canvases, and in the morning they must submit their works to the audience. The painting of the Italian artist is recognized as the best, only the author himself did not appear at the competition after sitting in a bar. When the hero realized that he should be at the championship, he hurriedly leaves the bar, forgetting to pay the bill. Guards of a beer house beat a man and, not finding money from him, simply throws him half-dead into the street ...