Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
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 critics thought
Tom Tykwer's adaptation of Patrick Süskind's novel split critics down the middle: admirers found it a genuinely audacious sensory experience, while detractors felt its visual bravura couldn't disguise a screenplay that never made its hollow protagonist compelling. Cast reviews were similarly divided — Whishaw drew praise and skepticism in almost equal measure, Dustin Hoffman's supporting turn was widely panned, and Alan Rickman emerged as the rare consensus positive. Audiences have consistently rated it higher than critics did, suggesting the film found its audience over time.
“Try as it might to be refined and provocative, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer never rises above the pedestrian creepiness of its conceit.”
A. O. Scott·The New York Times
“There's a mesmerizing appeal to the director's in-your-face style, even if the images he displays are often repugnant. Unfortunately, Tykwer is working with a flawed screenplay and even the most arresting visuals cannot compensate for the movie's schizophrenic story.”
James Berardinelli·Reelviews.net
“It took imagination to tell it, courage to film it, thought to act it, and from the audience it requires a brave curiosity about the peculiarity of obsession.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“The odd conclusion renders it somewhat oblique, but Perfume is a feast for the senses. Smell it with your eyes...”
Dan Jolin·Empire
“Whishaw succeeds in making the repulsive protagonist thoroughly repulsive, which is probably a testimony to his acting ability.”
Mick LaSalle·San Francisco Chronicle
Genres
Crime, Drama, Fantasy
Cast & Crew
DirectorTom Tykwer
StarringBen Whishaw, Alan Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Dustin Hoffman, John Hurt
ComposerReinhold Heil, Johnny Klimek, Tom Tykwer
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
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 critics thought
Tom Tykwer's adaptation of Patrick Süskind's novel split critics down the middle: admirers found it a genuinely audacious sensory experience, while detractors felt its visual bravura couldn't disguise a screenplay that never made its hollow protagonist compelling. Cast reviews were similarly divided — Whishaw drew praise and skepticism in almost equal measure, Dustin Hoffman's supporting turn was widely panned, and Alan Rickman emerged as the rare consensus positive. Audiences have consistently rated it higher than critics did, suggesting the film found its audience over time.
“Try as it might to be refined and provocative, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer never rises above the pedestrian creepiness of its conceit.”
A. O. Scott·The New York Times
“There's a mesmerizing appeal to the director's in-your-face style, even if the images he displays are often repugnant. Unfortunately, Tykwer is working with a flawed screenplay and even the most arresting visuals cannot compensate for the movie's schizophrenic story.”
James Berardinelli·Reelviews.net
“It took imagination to tell it, courage to film it, thought to act it, and from the audience it requires a brave curiosity about the peculiarity of obsession.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“The odd conclusion renders it somewhat oblique, but Perfume is a feast for the senses. Smell it with your eyes...”
Dan Jolin·Empire
“Whishaw succeeds in making the repulsive protagonist thoroughly repulsive, which is probably a testimony to his acting ability.”
Mick LaSalle·San Francisco Chronicle
Genres
Crime, Drama, Fantasy
Cast & Crew
DirectorTom Tykwer
StarringBen Whishaw, Alan Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Dustin Hoffman, John Hurt
ComposerReinhold Heil, Johnny Klimek, Tom Tykwer