Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
| release date | January 5 2007 |
| studio | DreamWorks Pictures |
| director | Tom Tykwer |
| writer | Bernd Eichinger, Andrew Birkin, Tom Tykwer |
| starring | Ben Whishaw, Alan Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Dustin Hoffman |
| site | perfumemovie.com |
| trailer 1 | Trailer #1 |
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I must say, I’m a little disappointed at how poorly this movie seems to have been received. I thought this movie was fantastic. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I rented it when it first came out last year, but it definately was not anything I could have expected.
The story is compelling- it’s very unique, unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. That gets automatic props in my book. At first, I thought the movie may end up being boring…woohoo, we’re following a guy who has an inredible sense of smell. But the movie continues to get more and more interesting as the story progresses. I found myself saying, “what the f— is going to happen next?” many times.
I realize that some of the criticism has been that the main character doesn’t have to go as far as he does to get what he needs from these women, and it seems nonsensical to some. But I think that is unfair and that it actually adds to the story. The main character is mentally unstable and has no real grasp of morals…his actions reflect his character perfectly. It demonstrates great character development and staying true to the character’s nature.
And the ending…oh, the ending. I expected the movie to end quite awhile before it actually did. At that point in the movie, you figure that there is no other option but for the movie to end. And then, it takes a HUGE turn, and you’re left sitting there bug-eyed and with your mouth gaping wide open. It’s utterly bizarre, but in the best way…it is completely unexpected, yet it makes so much sense. And the chaos continues, right up to the actual end of the movie, which is even more bizarre. I was left sitting there, almost dumbfounded, thinking “what in the HELL just happened?”
Another high note of this movie was the incredible acting. The main character, Ben Whishaw, is wonderful at portraying Jean-Baptiste. Alan Rickman and Dustin Hoffman (although he isn’t in much of the movie) are both fantastic, as always. All of the actors did a great job of getting into their roles and not faltering in portraying their characters. You never get that sense of fake or strained acting.
Overall, I was pleasantly suprised with how great this movie was. I grow tired of the cookie-cutter, rip-off, all-too-predictable movies…and this movie takes the cake for its unpredictability, uniqueness, and bizarreness (is that a word? it is now..).
A Masterpiece. #11 of 07 on my list.
Although this is not so much a horror film, it is definitely dark with a slight sense of humor and a bit of fantasy thrown in for good measure. It reminded me of a cross between Les Miserables and Sweeney Todd (without the singing). It isn’t a particularly well known movie, which is a shame because I truly think that if people gave it a chance they would enjoy it. It’s not a life-changing experience, but it’s at least a fun film.
Fantastic. One of the best films of 2007.
I enjoyed this movie I like the plot and the way it was done….I tried to read the book never did but I like the actors in this role….it was fresh type of movie and worth seeing…I felt the story was intersting and different…so a must see.
This was kinda a weird movie but I like it.
Good film but the ending was a letdown but a decent film.
(SPOILERS)
I agree with most of what Mr. D said. Lighting, camerawork, locations, costumes- stunning. The first 30 minutes was attractive and I focused greatly on watching this film because I felt I was in for something extraordinary. Yes, the title clearly indicates that this about a murderer, but it was the parts where he became a killer I found most disappointing. And before he went to Grasse, isn’t it weird that every time he leaves the company of a “guardian”, they die??
The cast was solid, but it was the performance of Dustin Hoffman that I found most memorable. And that girl with the basket is so pretty, aye? All was flowing smoothly so far until the ending ruined everything.
Dustin’s character said the the 12 chords were very special and the 13th one (the most vital) was extremely hard to find. And when all 13 chords were combined, a scent would be released. A scent so alluring, the entire world would feel they were in paradise. But when Baptist went on a search to capture that legendary scent, he used the scent of 12 RANDOM women. And for the 13th, he got from the most beautiful girl in Grasse. What he did had no connection to what Dustin’s character said.
Again, the ending. When he used a few drops from his “Perfume From 12 Random Girls and A Really Hot Girl”, everyone within a few hundred feet participated in an orgy Paris Hilton would love to be a part of. What an atrocious climax. So while the crowd was busy breaking the world record for “Largest Orgy” he walks home to Paris.
But wait! The madness doesn’t stop there. He realizes that the power he possess is not what he desires in life. So he goes back to the place where he was born, takes the perfume, pours all of it it on his head. Then the people near him calls him an angel, shouts, “I love you!” to him, runs to him, and (wait for it….) eats him.
THE END ?????????????????????????????????
Perfume greatly fails to become a masterpiece despite of its huge potential to be one. I hate this film.
this movie was very good i read the book after watching it, would have been good to read the book before watching. truly amazing =]
This film blew me away. It was interesting througout and it never bored me. The idea was new and original and all together it was a bloody good, well-made film! It had some great performaces from Alan Rickman and Dustin Hoffman and the ending was just divine! I have never seen anything like it. Fresh, orignal, new. Watch it!
Can’t say this isn’t unique, because it is definitely not a usual storyline. But can say it induces boredom—2 and 1/2 hrs (had to peek at the case at just under 2 hrs to see how much longer it was going to run!) of not the most thrilling material. I’m open to about anything, but this story was a bit odd for my taste. The grimy Old World sets of the beginning, and the scenes with Hoffman were pretty good, but the rest just wasn’t compelling for me–especially the weird and (I thought) poor ending. Would not recommend this to any regular horror fans–not that kind of movie at all. A deep period piece about psychosis, human desires, etc–and a bizarre one to boot.
I loved every moment of this movie. Well almost every. There were times I’d start to feel bored, but then something absurd would happen and bring me right back in. I love this movie and it’s become one of my favorites. The cinematography is probably the best I’ve ever seen.
not bad.
Stunning- Gorgeous- agreed loved every moment!
Wait……..did that mass orgy just happen??