From an early age, Picasso expressed a prodigious work effort, diverted only by romantic affairs. After an artistic training in Spain, he moved to Paris and began to gain fame as an innovative artist. But as this documentary reveals, he also fell in love. But like many of his affairs, the relationship was difficult, and soon his attentions are drawn to another woman.

Now established as one of the greats of the modern art world, Picasso holds an extraordinary one-man show in Paris. As another relationship crumbles, he embarked on a double life with his 17-year-old mistress. As his private life grew more turbulent, the world descended into war, the horror of which inspired some of his greatest work, including the masterpiece Guernica.

Picasso's later years find both his prodigious creativity and his sexual appetites undimmed. He explored new artistic mediums such as ceramics and film, as he started another tempestuous romance. After his relationship with Dora Maar sours, he falls in love with a much younger artist, Francoise Gilot, only to find she has a strong will of her own. It would change Picasso forever.