Post by cubbies04 on Aug 4, 2007 14:40:02 GMT -5
Overall Grade: A-
This movie was in and out of theatres quickly and polarized critcs (some hated it, but othersm including Roger Ebert, loved it). All I can say is-wow. There are two things I value in a movie and help me decide if I think a movie is great: 1) is it original, does it tell a story in a new way and 2) does it "haunt" me or stay with me in some way (this doesn't just apply to scary movies; a great comedy or action movie that connects with you will stay with you too). Perfume delivered on both counts. The story: in 18th century France, Grenouille, a foundling, quickly orphaned, is born with a blessing and a curse: he has the most acute sense of smell in the world, but has absolutely no scent of his own (a trait often attributed to the devil's spawn). He escapes his poverty-stricken existence by becoming an apprentice to a master perfumer and soon starts making the world's greatest perfumes. However, his obsession takes over: he is overcome by a desire to capture the essence of beauty itself-which can only be derived from a young woman.
Positives: This is an absolutely beautiful film and should have been up for best cinematography at the Oscars. The cast seems perfect: newcomer Ben Whishaw does an excellent job as our protagonist/villian. It seems an extremely difficult part to play, alternating between pitiful and evil, driven by one obsession only, yet he pulls it off. The great pros Dustin Hoffmann and Alan Rickman lend support as the master perfumer and Richis, the nobleman of Grasse (and the true tragic hero of the story). Another newcomer, Rachel Hurd-Wood, plays Rickman's daughter and the final target of Grenouille's obsession. Her "pat" role, as the beautiful damsel in distress, is not an easy part to play, yet she pulls it off, I found I deeply cared for her safety (Kudos also to John Hurt as the narrator). Finally, the conclusion traveled a path I did not see coming, angered me at first, but then drew my admiration. It is a disturbing, yet poetic, haunting conculsion that ties everything neatly in a bow.
Negatives: The obsession resolves around smell, yet obviously you cannot "smell" a movie. That is a barrier the film simply cannot cross, yet it does a magnificent job trying. The sountrack, acting and surreal images do give you a sense the actors are smelling something extraordinary. Other minor negatives: 1) it is a long film, 2) there are some repulsive moments, particularly early in the film, which is set in the slums of 18th century Paris (though they are likely very accurate), 3) this is a downbeat film that can wear on you and you might not want to see it again very soon after your first viewing.
Would I see it again? Yes, definitely. This film is a very dark, erotic fairy tale for adults. It is also a tale of obsession. It is demanding viewing, but I highly recommend it for anyone brave enough to watch it.
This movie was in and out of theatres quickly and polarized critcs (some hated it, but othersm including Roger Ebert, loved it). All I can say is-wow. There are two things I value in a movie and help me decide if I think a movie is great: 1) is it original, does it tell a story in a new way and 2) does it "haunt" me or stay with me in some way (this doesn't just apply to scary movies; a great comedy or action movie that connects with you will stay with you too). Perfume delivered on both counts. The story: in 18th century France, Grenouille, a foundling, quickly orphaned, is born with a blessing and a curse: he has the most acute sense of smell in the world, but has absolutely no scent of his own (a trait often attributed to the devil's spawn). He escapes his poverty-stricken existence by becoming an apprentice to a master perfumer and soon starts making the world's greatest perfumes. However, his obsession takes over: he is overcome by a desire to capture the essence of beauty itself-which can only be derived from a young woman.
Positives: This is an absolutely beautiful film and should have been up for best cinematography at the Oscars. The cast seems perfect: newcomer Ben Whishaw does an excellent job as our protagonist/villian. It seems an extremely difficult part to play, alternating between pitiful and evil, driven by one obsession only, yet he pulls it off. The great pros Dustin Hoffmann and Alan Rickman lend support as the master perfumer and Richis, the nobleman of Grasse (and the true tragic hero of the story). Another newcomer, Rachel Hurd-Wood, plays Rickman's daughter and the final target of Grenouille's obsession. Her "pat" role, as the beautiful damsel in distress, is not an easy part to play, yet she pulls it off, I found I deeply cared for her safety (Kudos also to John Hurt as the narrator). Finally, the conclusion traveled a path I did not see coming, angered me at first, but then drew my admiration. It is a disturbing, yet poetic, haunting conculsion that ties everything neatly in a bow.
Negatives: The obsession resolves around smell, yet obviously you cannot "smell" a movie. That is a barrier the film simply cannot cross, yet it does a magnificent job trying. The sountrack, acting and surreal images do give you a sense the actors are smelling something extraordinary. Other minor negatives: 1) it is a long film, 2) there are some repulsive moments, particularly early in the film, which is set in the slums of 18th century Paris (though they are likely very accurate), 3) this is a downbeat film that can wear on you and you might not want to see it again very soon after your first viewing.
Would I see it again? Yes, definitely. This film is a very dark, erotic fairy tale for adults. It is also a tale of obsession. It is demanding viewing, but I highly recommend it for anyone brave enough to watch it.