Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
Genre: Crime / Drama
Duration: 147 minuten
Alternative titles: Das Parfum - Die Geschichte eines Mörders / Perfume
Country:
Germany / France / Spain / United States
Directed by: Tom Tykwer
Stars: Ben Whishaw, Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman
IMDb score:
7,5 (278.169)
Releasedate: 13 September 2006
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer plot
"Obsession can cause the unthinkable."
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is born on a shabby market in eighteenth century Paris. He has a very special gift: an incredible sense of smell. Growing up, he completely masters the smell, deciphering all the scents in Paris and becoming an apprentice to a famous perfume developer. Still, Jean-Baptiste is not satisfied, and he becomes obsessed with 'catching' certain scents such as that of fresh wood. Then one day he smells a very special scent...that of a beautiful young virgin...
Actors and actresses
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille
Richis
Laura
Giuseppe Baldini
Narrator (voice)
The Plum Girl
Bishop of Grasse
Mayor of Grasse
Madame Gaillard
Natalie
Reviews & comments
Black Math
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- 5430 messages
- 1753 votes
Revise again. I like the book a lot, this movie doesn't come close to that, but it's worth watching as a movie.
In any case, the opening scene is strong. Just as the fish is chopped, the images are also cut in the editing, and this is done synchronously, which comes across as particularly strong. A very visual film anyway, which I had kind of forgotten. The question is how you can portray the perception of smell in a film. This is done very strongly here by means of the visual language. Close-ups of the protagonist's nose and what he smells and such.
But after some time the voice-over disappears, the scent world has been explored, and it mainly revolves around the assignment the protagonist has set for himself. The result is that it all becomes a bit more fleeting. The story feels a bit looser due to the disappearance of the voice-over, and visually it also becomes a bit less detailed because the goals have shifted, it all works less on the senses. Still worth it, but it's not as strong as it used to be. It works less on the senses. Musically it's not bad either, but I'm less of a fan of singing ladies as film music.
The book is followed quite faithfully. The climax should have been hard porno in my opinion, given the description in the book. That would have made it all a lot more daring. Anyway, I understand the director's choice.
A good book adaptation, also successful as a film. A bit like a perfume that evaporates and loses its strength a little too quickly. 3.5*.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Onderhond
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- 87623 messages
- 12889 votes
Remains intact when revised.
Somewhat surprising, because I thought that the unexpectedness of this film had overwhelmed me the first time, but apparently Perfume has enough intrinsic quality to still be amazed 10 years later.
Tykwer's greatest achievement is his ability to perfectly depict the fragrance experience. Not easy for a movie. But clever cinematic tricks and a powerful soundtrack bring the world of fragrances to life. Whishaw is also an important element in the success of the film. He portrays a charismatic main character.
The plot keeps going in all sorts of directions, the audiovisual class doesn't weaken halfway through and to top it all off, a great finale. Man, this Perfume hasn't lost any of its feathers yet. Very handsome movie.
4.5* and a extended review
Translated from Dutch · View original
Filmkriebel
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- 10012 messages
- 4678 votes
I'm surprised this one isn't in the top 250. We have to make do with less. I already think it's a masterpiece; I don't like to participate in top-list thinking, but this one can certainly be counted among the ten best book adaptations ever. A dark fairy tale set in 18th century France about a man who discovers love through his innate gift to recognize smells. The innocent sniffer turns into a serial killer in his obsession to achieve his goal, making the perfect perfume. Greatly filmed by Tykwer. This is one of those movies where it's impossible to stop watching once you start. A story that grips firmly and is also provided with beautiful classical music that is completely in sync with sometimes intoxicating images. A truly beautiful film that will haunt you.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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