Gary Sheller's (Martin Freeman) image of himself is deteriorating: his former success as a pop musician has vanished, his job as a commercial jingle writer is uninspiring and degrading, his relationship with his girlfriend Dora (Gwyneth Paltrow),is a constant struggle, and he passed his thirtieth birthday four years ago. Add to that his best friend and former band mate Paul (Simon Pegg) seems to become more successful every time he breathes. Gary is depressed and dejected... until he meets Anna (Penelope Cruz). In Anna he finds a love, contentment and self-worth absent in his real life. She is fully commited to Gary sexually, artistically and intellectually. Anna is the girl of Gary's dreams...literally. But Gary can only see Anna in his dream life and consequently seeks a means to carry on the most satisfying relationship of his life, in his dreams. His quest for lucid dreaming techniques leads Gary to an eccentric, post beat era, new age idealist named Mel (Danny DeVito) who guides Gary through his complicated pursuits. As Gary shuns reality to dedicate himself to the security and comfort of his dreams, his waking life troubles worsen.

• Official Movie Web Site