A narrative portrait of Norman, an egotistical, cynical, and potentially sociopathic academic who views human biography as fuel for his intellectual pursuits. The film serves as a character study of this misanthropic scientist as he delivers a series of extended, computer-animated lectures on neurological, philosophical, sociological, and anthropological questions. Intertwined with these complex digital presentations is the chaotic unraveling of his failing personal relationships and torrid romantic entanglements. Grounded heavily in genetics and neuroscience, Norman attempts to use rigid biological laws to rationalize human emotion and his own deep-seated contempt for his surroundings.