I first read Perfume, a somewhat obscure book, in college. It was an odd story full of rich detail and containing ridiculous ending that reminds me now of a Nikoli Gogol story. I never really imagined that it would become a movie. Neither did many that read it, as nearly every review I’ve seen of it has mentioned its previous status as “one of the most unfilmable books ever written.” I was encouraged and excited when I saw previews for it, however.
The movie uses rapid cuts, vivid details, narration that reminds a bit of the whimsical nature of Amélie. As best as I can remember, the movie stays true to the book and, on a more selfish note, finally establishes the correct pronunciation of the main characters name, Grenouille (Grin-wii). The beginning of the movie starts with a montage of a Parisian fish market- vile scenes that do more than hint at what it might smell like. Contrastingly, the penultimate scene of the movie (I don’t want to spoil it for you) is so… delectable you almost wish you were there (or maybe not if it that isn’t your sort of thing).
If you get the opportunity to watch this movie or read the book, please do.
July 4, 2007 at 1:00 pm
I read the book and enjoyed it big time. It was one of the best I ever read in my opinion. I’m a bit afraid the movie is going to spoil my vivid memories of the book. But I will probably watch it in the very near future cause the DVD is on top of my tvset right now. Thanks for the review.
July 30, 2007 at 11:59 pm
I’m reading the book now..and hopefully get the dvd later. thanks for the review