Munich, 1918. The First World War is over and the city is packed with German Soldiers returning to find their country in ruins. One soldier is Max Rothman (John Cusack), a promising artist who lost an arm in the war and with it his ability to paint. On his return Max opens an art gallery, where he meets a struggling artist named Adolf Hitler (Noah Taylor). Max isn't completely convinced by Hitler's artistic abilities, but he encourages his creative talent anyway.

Meanwhile, the lonely, penniless Hitler becomes increasingly envious of Max's wealthy German Jewish family and their popularity. Disillusioned with art, Hitler turns to politics, thus setting into motion the most cataclysmic period in World History...