American film producer Jeremy Prokosch hires respected Austrian director Fritz Lang to direct a film adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey. Dissatisfied with Lang’s treatment of the material as an art film, Prokosch hires Paul Javal, a novelist and playwright, to rework the script. The conflict between artistic expression and commercial opportunity parallels Paul’s sudden estrangement from his wife Camille Javal, who becomes aloof with Paul after being left alone with Prokosch, a millionaire playboy.