Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
2006 · Directed by Tom Tykwer
Original language: English
- crime
- fantasy
- drama
The story
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, born in the stench of 18th century Paris, develops a superior olfactory sense, which he uses to create the world's finest perfumes. However, his work takes a dark turn as he tries to preserve scents in the search for the ultimate perfume.
What it’s like
Rich, saturated period imagery drives this one: grimy 18th-century Paris streets lit by smoky candle and lantern glow, then sudden swoops into lush green countryside and bright, dewy meadows where the camera lingers on flowers, fruit and skin. Tykwer's camera moves restlessly, gliding through crowded markets and tanneries, while the score by Reinhold Heil and Johnny Klimek swells with choral and strings and drops into eerie, hushed passages. The texture is decadent and ripe, close to the sensory overload of its subject. Its vibe is feverish, sensual and gothic, with an undercurrent of unease. It suits a late, alone night rather than casual background viewing, and it works for those who enjoy an ornate, heightened fable. Pacing is brisk, with long stretches of quiet obsession. The emotional register is cold and estranged, following a damaged outsider whose isolation sharpens into something chilling. Intensity is high: several graphic murders, brief nudity and sexual content, an orgy scene, and disturbing, sometimes grotesque imagery, all handled with stylised rather than gratuitous gore. Not for anyone seeking gentleness.
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