Das Parfum: Smells like success

The movie adaptation of Patrick Süskind’s world-renowned bestseller “Das Parfum” hit the cinemas in Germany on September 14, in what is – at 50 million euros – the most expensive German film production of all time.

Das Parfum screen shot

"Das Parfum" was translated into more than 40 languages and sold more than 15 million copies. As such, it is a highly anticipated film directed by non other than German director Tom Tywker (Lola Rennt). The film stars British actor Ben Whishaw in the role of protagonist Jean-Baptiste Grenouille and boasts Hollywood stars Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman in the supporting cast.

The film tells the story of Grenouille, who is born on a Parisian fish market in 1738. In his early years it becomes apparent that he is different from the other children as he emits no body odour. Also, he is equipped with an extraordinary sense of smell – something the perfumer Guiseppe Baldini (Dustin Hoffman) soon realizes when he takes him on. But Grenouille soon becomes obsessed with the smell of a girl and is possessed by the idea of creating the perfect perfume from the scent of young virgins.

Twelve young women are found dead, as Grenouille single-mindedly pursues his dream, preserving their scent in bottles in the process. The plot and characters evolve against the backdrop of an 18th century world full of intrigues and plots, as the macabre story of Grenouille’s quest to discover his olfactory nirvana unfolds.

Germany 2006
Director: Tom Tykwer
Cast: Ben Whishaw, Dustin Hoffman, Alan Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Corinna Harfouch, Birgit Minichmayr, Sian Thomas, Sam Douglas, Karoline Herfurth, Carlos Reig, Jessica Schwarz, Timothy Davies
Length: 147 Min.