In his early 50's and divorced, Remy is in the hospital. His exwife Louise pleads with their son Sebastien, a very successful businessman in London, England, to come home. Sebastien hesitates — he and his father haven't had much to say to each other for a very long time — but ends up agreeing to return, along with his French wife, to help his mother out. As soon as he arrives, Sebastien does everything in his power to get a clear diagnosis of his father's health and to reduce his suffering. Using his creativity and his contacts, not to mention bribery, Sebastien turns the system upside down to obtain better conditions, and a bit of happiness, for his father. In the meantime, relatives, friends and lovers flock to Remy's bedside to offer support, settle scores, and take a facetious look at their own existence. 17 years later, The Decline of the American Empire continues.