Perfume

Many of the movies I see are quite good, but fade soon after viewing. Some just don't leave a lasting impression, despite the initial enjoyment.

Others, however, have more staying power. They linger, like fine perfume. One such film that has lingered in my consciousness is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. (It's currently on DVD.)

Born with an acute sense of smell, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille (Ben Whishaw) resorts to dark deeds in creating a perfume that captures the essence of a woman in this 18th-century thriller based on Patrick Süskind's best-selling novel. The disturbing intensity mounts as Baroque-born Grenouille's obsession to create the ultimate scent moves from innovation to murderous aberration. Alan Rickman co-stars along with Dustin Hoffman as a master perfumer. (Netflix)

Indeed, there is a rather "disturbing intensity" and quite surreal quality to the story. And the ability of the film maker to portray the sense of smell (a key character in the movie) is impressive. I wouldn't say that it's flawless film, however. Dustin Hoffman just didn't convince me, for example. But, overall, Perfume is a strangely appealing film whose odd "fragrance" remains for quite some time. I recommend it.