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.
[The filmmakers] render a portrait of Paris that both delights and overwhelms the senses. This is a movie where eyes turn into noses, which may run at the many ghastly sights presented.
– Peter Howell,
Toronto Star,
5 Jan 2007
fresh:
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer never tries to make Jean-Baptiste sympathetic but he's not rendered monstrous, either: He just is a victim of a passion larger and more powerful than any one man can handle.
– Rene Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
5 Jan 2007
rotten:
Hated this movie. Hated it.
– Richard Roeper,
Ebert & Roeper,
8 Jan 2007
rotten:
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is another nauseous example of style over content: a toxic tale of serial homicide set in 18th-century France that creeps you out faster than it makes you think.
– Rex Reed,
New York Observer,
10 Jan 2007
rotten:
Tykwer loses his cinematic grip when he tries to blend murder and piety. In his hands, the two don't emulsify.