Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Watched: January 26th 2011

This movie is a hidden gem. My roommate stumbled upon the film and now has the book as well, having never heard of either I'm glad she did, because I absolutely loved this movie. Ben Whishaw radiates desire and intensity with a horrific intensity while maintaining the naive, anxious, and confused nature that coexist within his character Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. Born with an uncommonly powerful sense of smell, Jean-Baptiste is able to identify even the most exotic scents as well as negligible ones taken for granted. The cinematography and sound effects contribute greatly to drawing the audience in to this world that is based on a sense we cannot experience watching a film. However, the detail and texture of the film almost allow its viewer to experience the aromas Jean-Baptiste is smelling. Appearances by Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman provide intriguing characters who not only propel Jean-Baptiste in his journey, but also test the monster within him, showing the conflict and shifts controlling his dark, twisted mind. Due to his passionate obsession for fragrances, a whiff of a beautiful woman triggers a maniacal idea in Jean-Baptiste's head. After realizing that the intoxicating scent is lost through death, he sets out to preserve the natural aroma of other women. resulting in a murder spree that is both disturbing and beautiful. Tom Tykwer, the director, does an amazing job taking a somewhat heartless killer and connecting the audience to him so that his actions almost make sense. There is a pity for the man who is only trying to save what he loves and understands. The events that unfold because of his endeavors are shocking and unpredictable. You will never think of perfume the same way ever again.