Rarely does a film come along that tries to challenge the accepted way of approaching narrative or character, generally the accepted ways are upheld, but in Tom Tykwer’s adaptation of the 1985 novel Perfume he tries something as yet much untested in cinema, telling a visual story through the ideas of smell. The story is a dark fairy tale set in 17th century France, concerning the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born with an extraordinary sense of smell. As he grows this talent consumes him, his callous nature forming from the hard life he is forced to grow up with, and his growing obsession over being able to capture and preserve the variety of smells he is able to distinguish and catalogue. Needless to say the film descends into darkness as Grenouille discovers his true talents but Tykwer keeps the dark humour flowing throughout; take note of the untimely end that befalls all those Grenouille leaves the company of. There is also a seeming lack of interest in the murders themselves, the focus is on Grenouille and unlike many serial killers he does not do it for the pleasure of the kill or the power, he is commanded by his gift, seeing his victims as stepping stones on his way to achieve greatness, a greatness that ultimately will betray him.
Visually the film is spectacular, 17th century Europe is perfectly recreated, and the filth and muck equally so, Tykwer masterfully fills the screen with the objects Grenouille senses, and in doing so prompts the audience’s imagination into it as well. It is a bizarre and slightly unnerving feeling, much of the film is spent focusing on Grenouille’s reaction and the sensuous nature of smells are fully realised here. The film is a tad long however and episodic, but despite the awfulness of Grenouille’s character you can’t help but empathise with him. He is a pathetic and lost man who is outcast from society, and it’s a testament to both the performance and the direction that despite his evil deeds, we route for him to continue, in order that we may see the ultimate rewards of his efforts.
The film features generally great performances from a lot of relative unknowns; Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman lend some experience, though the proliferation of British accents can be distracting, it hardly takes way from the story.
Ultimately what will divide audiences the most is the films ending; it embraces the fantastical nature of the premise and is evoked through an almost dreamlike and surreal series of events. Faithful to the book the events that unfold may be too much for those who have been grounded by some of the films more realistic elements, the knowledge that this is a dark almost Grimm-like fairytale is necessary if you are not to be thrown by the final 15 minutes. If you can get over this and embrace the film for what it is tough then you are left with an ultimately tragic and haunting tale about humanity and love, but one that is unlike any film you may have seen before and that is not afraid to take risks. Recommended to those seeking something a bit different, and those with strong stomachs and a penchant for thinking outside the conventions of typical narrative.
A visual treat and a success at translating olfactory pleasures to the big screen. While some may be thrown by the final third this is an unusual yet captivating film that tells a unique tale without bowing to conventional narrative.
No comments:
Post a Comment