An ambitious film director (Jeremy Northam) has decided to try to adapt a lengthy piece of literature entitled, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy (Steve Coogan), Gentleman. The filming runs into numerous problems as the films actors and their egos demand constant attention, filming shuts down suddenly, and the production crew is unhappy. As they get about midway through the film’s production, the rushes are horrible and the investors are rethinking their financing of the film. It is up to the aforementioned director to pull the actors, crew, and ultimately the film together before it is too late and his career is ruined.