Mr. Grenouille
So I was in the movies yesterday, and guess what: I watched the perfume movie and enjoyed it. I was amazed how well the movie managed to transport scents with pictures, something Süsskind managed so well with his book, of course using words….The ambiance and atmosphere was close to what I expected, also in light of another book I read about a year ago (le miasme et les jonquilles, about the deodorization of room and space, exemplified on Paris, the most stinky town back then in the 17th and 18th century. Hmmm…if I remember properly, Süsskind was relying very much on this book, too. I have to check.)
And then, I almost forgot how brutal the whole story is, respectively: Contrary to the book, I identified less with Mr. Grenouille which might have to do with the power of images or it is one of the changed lines compared to the book. I remember quite well how I -reading the book-sympathized with Grenouille and his endeavour.
And then, finally, I found some lines in the movie that I remembered quite well from reading the book, diluted though, but still there. In a sense, the story is full with enlightenment, playing in the Age of Enlightenment, what you would kind of expect. We, children of the 21st century, tend to forget about who fought why against whom to get rid of the mental chains imposed by us on ourselves and others, like for instance some church representatives. (by the way…this is one reason, why I am do not appreciate this “bringing churches back into politics thing” that you see lately. I think we need to bring enlightenment to politics. and the world, and back into our living rooms, too) Bottomline: It was a pleasure to see some of these lines in the movie, like the father argueing with crystal clear mind, analyzing the murderer’s mind and not relying on the ex-communication….
Ultimately, here is my driving force to watch the movie yesterday: On Friday, I will have a journalist at home, having a chat with a perfumer about perfumery, for the local free newspaper. The journalist was looking for a real perfumer doing perfumery, to juxtaposition real world with the movie. An idea that I find excellent. ThusI figured out, I need to get prepared….
September 27th, 2006 at 7:46 pm
I can’t wait to see the film Andy. I must have read the book about 6 times.
Good luck with the interview my friend!
September 27th, 2006 at 8:12 pm
Dear Barry
What a coincidence. I was just returning to my computer and was thinking how you are. Thus, I hope you are fine and thank you for your wishes.
Take care my dear
September 28th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
I, too, am eager to view the movie.
Were you disappointed by the film rendition of the book?
Also, how was Dustin Hoffman?
He seemed like an excellent choice…
Be well, lovely ones…
September 28th, 2006 at 10:18 pm
So, dear Andy, do you “play” Baldini or Grenouille at Friday:))? No, we are in real world. But now, thanks to the film Perfume, people take more interest in the mystery and artwork of making perfumes…especially the way you and few others do, thats very good!
September 29th, 2006 at 7:23 am
Dear Peppernuts
your comment just inspired me to do a little photoshop picture for the next post, and copy paste mayself into Baldini’s working bench.
I agree totally: For us niche perfumers who do perfumes the way the were done a while ago, with love and passion and old fashioned, this movie is just great, it helps to spread the message a lot.
Dear Chaya
Dustin Hoffman was perfect for Baldini, just perfect! You must watch the movie. You will love him in this role.