Ari Rose is a failing actor who cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy. He first dreams about and then meets in real life a mysterious woman named Helen. A seemingly mutual obsession ensues, but gradually spirals downward into a web of desire and misperception.

Meet the denizens of New York City: artists, prostitutes, saints, and seers. All are aspiring toward either fame or oblivion while hoping for love and acceptance. Instead they find high rent, faithless partners, and dead-end careers.