In the bustling London of the 1950s, an eccentric and stubborn artist, Gulley Jimson, has just been released from prison and is determined to find his place in the art world. Played by the charismatic Alec Guinness, Gulley is a brilliant yet slightly mad painter whose creative ideals often clash with reality. With a personality as volatile as his talent, he faces a system that doesn't always value originality.
Gulley is in search of his masterpiece, but his defiant approach leads him to steal paintings and get into conflict with critics and the artistic community. At the same time, he becomes entangled in a love triangle with two intriguing women: a young woman passionate about art and a wealthy woman who wishes to safeguard it. As he tries to navigate his relationships and obsessions, his mission turns into a chaotic journey of self-discovery.
As Gulley immerses himself in the creative process, he begins to question what it really means to be an artist in a society that often prefers the conventional. In a pivotal moment, he faces the decision of whether to succumb to the commercialization of art or to remain true to his vision. This dramedy, filled with irony and moments of pure madness, is a reflection on the quest for authenticity in a world that often pressures individuals to fit into a mold. Will Gulley manage to find his purpose, or will he lose himself in his own artistic labyrinth?