The film was shot in New York City and follows Peter Loew, a publishing executive played by Nicolas Cage in one of his most unhinged and meme-worthy roles. After an encounter with a mysterious woman who bites him, Peter begins to believe he is turning into a vampire. His behavior becomes increasingly chaotic and disturbing — he terrorizes his secretary, wanders the streets of Manhattan at night, and even buys cheap plastic fangs from a souvenir shop. The line between reality and hallucination blurs as the film explores themes of mental illness, narcissism, and urban alienation. The film stands out for Cage's completely over-the-top performance style, which later became iconic in internet culture. The movie uses real Manhattan locations to ground its absurd plot in a recognizable setting, creating a grim late-1980s New York atmosphere that sharply contrasts with the protagonist's growing detachment from reality.

Filming Locations:

Munson Diner

In the Movie

Scene where Peter enters the Munson Diner during one of his late-night walks through Manhattan, enhancing the atmosphere of nocturnal dampness and chaos of his lifestyle in the film.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a classic American diner that was formerly located at 600 West 48th Street near 11th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. The diner closed and was demolished, and a residential building was built on its site. It was one of the old diner cars that were once common throughout New York City and appeared in several films and TV series.

Club on 7th Avenue South

In the Movie

Scene where Peter enters a club where he socializes and meets women during his nightly outings, displaying superficial charm before his psychological breakdown becomes apparent.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a nightlife establishment on the corner of 7th Avenue South and St. Lukes Place in Greenwich Village. This part of the Village has historically served as a hub for bars, clubs, and live music venues. The area retains a bohemian character and is surrounded by classic brownstone streets that have appeared in many New York City films.

Peter's Office Building

In the Movie

Scene where Peter works in his publishing office, where his increasingly erratic behavior toward his secretary manifests as he becomes obsessed with a missing file and his deteriorating mental state.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a commercial building at 21 East 22nd Street in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. The building is located between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South in a neighborhood known for a mix of office spaces and residential lofts. This stretch of 22nd Street has retained much of its early 20th-century architecture despite surrounding development.