Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a 2006 German period psychological thriller film directed by Tom Tykwer and based on the novel of the same name by Patrick Süskind. The movie takes place in 18th century France and follows the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a young man who possesses a highly developed sense of smell and becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent.
The film begins with the birth of Grenouille, who is born in the slums of Paris in 1738. He is immediately abandoned by his mother and left to die, but he miraculously survives. He grows up in an orphanage, where he realizes that he has a unique ability to discern smells, and he spends his childhood learning how to identify and memorize different scents.
As Grenouille grows older, he becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent, and he begins experimenting with different ingredients to try and achieve his goal. He eventually becomes an apprentice to a perfumer named Giuseppe Baldini, who teaches him the art of perfume-making and helps him refine his skills.
However, Grenouille becomes increasingly obsessed with his quest for the perfect scent and begins to resort to darker methods to achieve his goals. He becomes a murderer, killing young women and using their body parts to create his perfect scent.
The film is a dark and disturbing exploration of the nature of obsession and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their goals. It is a deeply psychological movie that delves into the mind of a man who is driven by his desire to create the perfect scent, and it raises questions about the morality of his actions.
The cinematography of the movie is stunning, and the depiction of 18th century France is incredibly detailed and immersive. The acting is also excellent, with Ben Whishaw delivering a powerful and nuanced performance as Grenouille.
Overall, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a thought-provoking and visually stunning movie that explores themes of obsession, morality, and the power of the senses. It is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and period dramas, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.