In Ancient Egypt, Ema "Emmy" Hesire hides in a pyramid from her mother, who wants an arranged marriage. Emmy prays to the gods to save her and find her true love. In answer, Emmy mysteriously vanishes before her mother's eyes. In 1987, Philadelphia artist Jonathan Switcher takes a number of odd jobs, including one where he assembles a beautiful, perfect mannequin. Although Jonathan painstakingly expresses his artistic passion, his employers dismiss him for taking too much time or deviating from a set pattern. His girlfriend Roxie Shield, who views Jonathan as a flake, dumps him.