Early Steven Soderbergh film is full of grand ideas and thoughtful reflection combined with fear and doubt of the world at large. A nice mix when attempting to portray a writer. This film owes elements to NOSFERATU(1922) and even makes frequent references to Murnau and Orlac, DRACULA(1931), FRANKENSTEIN(1931), BRAZIL & NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR(1984). However, it's not quite in the same league as those. The film is a bit too predictable. Excellent performance by Jeremy irons in the lead.