“The main thing is that I’m fine!” Charly, a family man and consultant in his early 60s, has had to put up with quite a few setbacks in his life. Born as Karl-Heinz in Franconia, he reinvented himself and created an optimized personality under the stage name “Charly.” Never to be vulnerable again—self-protection is his new motto.

Using archive footage, the documentary explores the landmark decisions in Charly’s life and examines the consequences. Is his idea of “healthy egotism” the result of an eventful life story, a questionable demonstration of power, or a necessity for a successful life?