While slumbering, he is the charismatic host of "Stéphane TV," expounding on "The Science of Sleep" in front of cardboard cameras. In real life, he has a boring job at a Parisian calendar publisher and pines for Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg), the girl in the apartment across the hall. While Stéphanie is initially charmed by Stephane, she is confused by his childishness and shaky connection to reality. Stéphane's co-worker, Guy (Alain Chabat) a vulgar but practical man, offers advice on the opposite sex, but Stéphane is too far in the clouds to listen. Unable to find the secret to Stephanie's heart while awake, Stéphane searches for the answer in his dreams.