The Perfumier (Der Parfumeur) is a movie starred by Emilia Schüle and Ludwig Simon. It is directed Nils Willbrandt. Inspired upon the novel The Perfume by Patrick Süskind, it takes us through a modern day tale where the sense of smell and perfume elaborated by macabre means take center stage.
Premise
A lonely detective without the sense of smell and luck in love investigates murder cases that have as central elements of perfume and smells. She seeks out the perfumier, Dorian, so that he can assist her in recovering her sense of smell.
Review
It is very possible that had Süskind not existed we would be discussing a thriller that would have a lot of sway, and would even be considered fascinating. However, we are dealing with a character taken out of a very well known literary piece, putting the character in an entirely different context, and thereby creating just another “genre movie” inspired by a matchless piece. Is it a “cardinal sin”? It might be considered so by some, but we try to see the movie as its own piece and with its own virtues.
Let’s just say that this should be considered a sequel to the book, or the movie The Perfume.
The Perfumier has an interesting start, already confessing that it has taken elements of Süskind’s work, and makes nods to many classics visually. The initial shot of an Ophelia, referencing Millais and even Lars von Trier (Melancholia). Proving the cinematic prowess from the start, even if it is not maintained throughout the feature. The director gives us a clear wink, indicating that he knows what he is doing, or at least that he knows his classics. That is a impressive intro, marking the contrasts of “beauty and savagery” this story is about.
Unfortunately, that is it for the poetic photography. The rest of the movie, although very entertaining, and captivating thanks to the story, and narrative structure, is photographically quite quotidian.
With her voice-off narration it does give us a literary feel that works well, and effectively makes us the viewers be the confidants to the main character. This feature in the duration of movie is probably the most impacting rather than to the visual elements. Thank goodness for the sense of hearing.
The story is rather well elaborated, and it is an interesting concept that they have applied making it a movie that is good in its own right. As feature film it does discharge adrenaline at times, it is an enthusiastic piece that seeks its own style distancing itself from Süskind’s 18th Century France.
Our Opinion
This is an experiment that is not entirely convincing, however it is by no means empty. The story is well developed, creates the intimacy so crucial to it. Photographically it has its moments, truly, however all in all it is not a movie that shines due to that factor as it does not uphold extraordinary photography all the way. The story is solidly sustained by a good narration, rather than the performances and sequences, which aren’t bad, but not outstanding. This is not a masterpiece, but a definite brave endeavor.
The Stars:
Emilia Schüle
Ludwig Simon
Release Date
September 21st, 2022
Where to Watch The Perfumier
Cast
Emilia Schüle
Ludwig Simon
Sólveig Arnarsdóttir
Anne Müller
Robert Finster
August Diehl
See full credits >>
