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10-22-2006, 12:41 PM
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#1 of 28 
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Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
About 20 years ago I read Patrick Süskind’s novel, PERFUME The story of a Murderer. The novel had quite an effect and stuck with me for a long time. Perhaps the fact that I have a more acute sense of odors than many other people was a factor.
Always wanted to see the story on screen and a couple of nights ago at the Austin Film Festival I got my wish, and how!
Tim Tywer, best known to me for Run Lola Run directed this film.
Ben Whishaw plays the “title character” and the best-known members of the cast would be Dustin Hoffman, Alan Rickman and Rachel Hurd-Wood. John Hurt contributes the narration.
The story is set in 18th Century France but was filmed in Munich Germany and several locations in Spain including Barcelona.
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille was born into conditions that really could not have been less promising. Miraculously he survives and in the course of events is mentored by the fading perfumer Giuseppe Baldini (Hoffman).
This screening was not a convenient time for me. Ninety minutes from my home and a need to get there early for tickets. Then there was the 10:15 PM start time.
Just before the screening we were told that the film was 2:40 long. This information produced many groans from the audience.
As soon as the movie started I just sat up and took in as much as I could for what seemed like not much more than an hour. It was beautiful, and of course, a bit ghastly.
I do not want to give anything away but when you see this, and I trust you will, watch for one of the most audacious uses of hundreds of extras in film history.
The film goes wide in the United States on January 5th.
Last edited by Henry Gale : 11-23-2006 at 10:02 AM.
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10-23-2006, 11:58 PM
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#2 of 28
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Location: New Zealand
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Re: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
So it's worth seeing?
I really loved the book when I read it last year, although it did turn out to be quite different from what I was expecting. But despite the book not being what I was anticipating, it was an astonishing read, highly recommended, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the film version.
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10-28-2006, 10:06 AM
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#3 of 28
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Re: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
It is very much worth seeing. I imagine it will put off a portion of the US audience. There are very few (if any) tricks in this. Just a large cast of extras, and careful attention to the set/costume design. Well done in those areas IMO.
It has a fairy tale quality from the start, due to the tone of John Hurt's narration. If you don't give in to this old tale quality, it spoils the fun. I certainly did (perhaps I was in the mood last night) and felt rewarded by a rare film. I remember this type of quality from Name Of The Rose - also a German/American co-op.
Dustin Hoffmans role is short but typically good in his recent stye for bit parts. Alan Richman eats the screen as usual, which is great. His suspicious father role is well cast is this one. Both look puffy and powdered in their period clothes.
Of the many beautiful women, the first scent of note (shall we say) is the stunning Karoline Herfurth, as a girl offering plums on the street. She will stick with you and with our protaginest through out the story. In spite of her short screen time, she is the essence that hurls the story into gear.
I have no idea how it will do, but if you like The Red Violin, NOTRose mentioned above, this will please.
Think `Once Upon A Time' with a twist 
E
Last edited by ErichH : 10-28-2006 at 10:40 AM.
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10-28-2006, 09:05 PM
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#4 of 28
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John Rice
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Re: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
I love Tykwer's movies, and have been looking forward to this. I hope he has gotten past his tendency to make such rich visuals that they actually tend to bring the movie itself to a halt. Did either of you who have seen it ever get the feeling this was happening for you? Probably the best (or maybe worst) example of him doing this is in The Princess and the Warrior.
They flutter behind you, your possible pasts.
Some bright-eyed and crazy, some frightened and lost.
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10-28-2006, 09:22 PM
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#5 of 28
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Re: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
One of the most unpleasant, yet fascinating books I have ever read (like a million years ago) and if the movie is anything like the book, I can't imagine it will do very well, even with the AMPAS. But then again, Quills was well received in those circles.
What I really want to see in gory details is the public execution scene at the end  .
Tywker fan as well, just based on Lola, Heaven and Princess.
Thx for starting this thread, I didn't know this was even in the works.
--
H
Last edited by Holadem : 11-06-2006 at 12:26 PM.
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10-29-2006, 09:32 AM
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#6 of 28
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Re: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
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Originally Posted by JohnRice
I love Tykwer's movies, and have been looking forward to this. I hope he has gotten past his tendency to make such rich visuals that they actually tend to bring the movie itself to a halt. Did either of you who have seen it ever get the feeling this was happening for you? Probably the best (or maybe worst) example of him doing this is in The Princess and the Warrior.
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Short answer - No. There were a few wide exterior shots, but nothing that slows the pace. The bulk of the shoot is interior, in poor sections of the city streets or the perfumer's basement/workshop. An interesting set BTW, and the brunt of a nice comic relief mid way through.
As for the final 2 scenes (Trial & End) I'd say these are moments where the tale finally gives way to fantasy (assuming you don't count the entire story a fantasy) They will draw the most criticism, but they also serve the story's end perfectly. The trial in the screener will probably suffer a massive edit before it hits the US theaters, and not because of any violence.
Holedem, check it out here - http://www.apple.com/trailers/dreamworks/perfume/
E
Last edited by ErichH : 10-29-2006 at 09:38 AM.
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11-06-2006, 11:53 AM
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#7 of 28
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Re: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
I watched the trailer for this this morning, and I loooooooved it. Loved. It was so good - intense and atmospheric and just cool. What a beautiful looking movie. (And, well, Alan Rickman. I am a sucker for anything with Alan Rickman in it!)
I've never read the book this is based on, and now I kind of want to, it looks so interesting. (Worth it?) Definitely an original story.
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11-06-2006, 06:18 PM
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#8 of 28
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Member
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Re: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
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I've never read the book this is based on, and now I kind of want to, it looks so interesting. (Worth it?)
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Absolutely. It is quite a unique read - fascinating, intriguing, elegant, and disturbing. The thing to realise about the book is that the main character's sense of smell is so finely honed and strong, and the book replicates that by almost telling the story as much through descriptions of smell as through actual action. And it works brilliantly.
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