this one is difficult to describe. it’s not my normal choice in film because i don’t necessarily get into fantasy storyline. but i adjusted quickly because the movie is beautiful, thoughtful, and the story is great. that could be because it’s based on a novel, but adaptations are hard to pull off.
here’s what the IMDB guys came up with as a plot summary:
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, born in the stench of eighteenth century Paris, develops a superior olfactory sense, which he uses to create the world’s finest perfumes. His work, however, takes a dark turn as he tries to preserve scents in the search for the ultimate perfume.
i think that pretty much sums it up, but doesn’t really give it justice. the story is epic, warped, and delicate. it’s the story of the journey of a man in search of something unattainable. it draws itself out of a complete void of humanity born from a tortured childhood, but despite this Grenouille catches many breaks that dot his course and guide him to his goal of the ultimate scent.
Wishaw did a pretty good job, but i can’t tell if he’s talented or just found a prime roll that was emotionally desolate. Hoffman is great in his roll as a mentor with ulterior motives. the rest of the cast is sort of inconsequential, but does well enough as to not distract. i even think the narration worked well.
the directing and cinematography work together to almost paint the action. vibrant colors, wide shots, and attention to detail all helped me get into the film. suspending belief became easy.
it’s hard to put this in a more specific genre than fantasy, but it’s sort of a mix of american psycho, chocolat, a dark ages period piece, with a dash of something Vivid Productions would bring to the party. it’s good, but it’s also a darker take on a love story than most sheeple would enjoy. in all honesty it’s just a great show to watch.
***
Tags: rent