In a bar where a boisterous group of students are reveling, the poet Hoffmann begins recounting the tales of his three great loves, each thwarted by a menacing figure. The first tale unfolds with Hoffmann enamored by Olympia, a beautiful automaton created by the cunning inventor Spalanzani and his sinister associate Coppélius. Enthralled by her enchanting dance, Hoffmann fails to realize she is an artificial creation until it is too late, leaving him crestfallen by the loss of an illusion he believed to be true love.

The second story transports Hoffmann to Venice, where he becomes infatuated with Giulietta, a sultry courtesan under the control of the malevolent magician, Dapertutto. She seductively draws Hoffmann into a web of deceit, ultimately seeking to steal his reflection as part of Dapertutto's scheme. Overwhelmed by betrayal and heartache once more, Hoffmann recounts his third and final romantic tragedy in which he is smitten with Antonia, a gifted singer cursed with a mysterious illness. Her mother’s spirit haunts them, as the unscrupulous Dr. Miracle leads Antonia into a perilous decision. Each tale reflects the intersection of idealized love, destructive obsession, and illusory pursuits. As Hoffmann navigates through dreams and despair, these stories expose the blurred line between myth and reality, exploring an artist’s eternal quest for inspiration and unattainable beauty amidst the shadows of personal loss.