In this cynical comedy an renowned out-of-work unpublished “underground” writer from formerly Communist Poland is driven to unusually desperate measures in order to get his work published. Stan has been living in the attic apartment of his ex-wife's home which he shares with a journalist friend. One day he has an accident which convinces his ex-wife and her current husband that he's suicidal and they hastily contact a media representative to see if some sort of publicity can't be arranged so that Stan's work can be published and they can benefit if not from the money then from their association with him. The organization they contact says that they will be happy to publish his writings if he will commit suicide live on television in St. Peter's square while the Pope is delivering an address.