Overview

In 1916, unable to sell his paintings and unable to work, Modigliani decides to leave Paris. A robbery attempt, aided by his painter/friends Turillo and Soutine fails and he seeks money from Zbo, his agent, who informs him he's about to meet Cheron, an influential art dealer. Modigliani's poet/mistress, Beatrice Hastings, tries to convince him to meet Cheron himself. Frightened of failure, he finally agrees only to discover Zbo has given away his best painting. His meeting with Cheron is a disaster and, in a rage, he slashes his paintings and attempts to destroy all the work in his studio. Beatrice prevents this and forces him to realize the paintings are his life. Left alone with no possibilities for success, Modigliani begins work again on a self portrait.