It is revealed that Bauby had been editor of the popular French fashion magazine Elle, and that he had a deal to write a book (which was originally going to be based on The Count of Monte Cristo but from a female perspective).
Film ini menceritakan tentang Bauby yang menjadi editor majalah Elle, yaitu majalah mode populer Prancis, dan sepakat menulis sebuah buku (yang pada awalnya berdasarkan kisah The Count of Monte Cristo, tetapi dari perspektif perempuan).