Bestselling Novel "Perfume" Hits the Big Screen

It is one of the most-awaited films in years: the adaptation of Patrick Süskind's bestselling novel "Perfume," which sold more than 15 million copies and was translated into 40 languages. Süskind had originally refused to sell the rights to the novel, but relented after long negotiations with German producer Bernd Eichinger ("The Downfall," "The House of Spirits"). The film is slated to open in mid-September.

The movie has a stellar cast, featuring Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman in supporting roles, as well as one of the most successful German directors of a younger generation, Tom Tykwer ("Run, Lola, Run," "Heaven"), who has adapted the novel fairly faithfully, although there are problems with the film.

Faithful, but flawed adaptation

Set in 18th century France, it is the story of a man with a phenomenal sense of smell who lives his life as a perennial outsider, eventually turning to murder. Obsessed by the scent of women, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, played by the acclaimed young British actor Ben Whishaw, murders his young, female victims in order to literally squeeze out and preserve their individual scents.

"This is not a story about a weird fantasy world with a crazy guy who by mere chance has a great sense of smell," said Tykwer in a Deutsche Welle interview. "Rather, this is the story of a man who is horribly lonely, which is a classic literary and cinematic motif. "

Tykwer says he wants to reach the largest possible audience with his new movie. He was more interested in the general appeal of the movie's protagonist rather than the bizarre twists of the plot. To him, the character is interesting because he is tormented by a conflict very much in existence today: social incompetence and an inability to sell himself.

"This is something that we can all secretly identify with -- the stress of having to always sell ourselves, to impress others," he said.

Tykwer's imprint is hard to fathom

In "Perfume," a lurid thriller unfolds against a historical backdrop, complete with an arsenal of rich characters. The story is compelling and passionately told, sparkles with sumptuous scenery and a host of brilliant performances.

However, Tykwer fails to develop his main character sufficiently for the film to really work. How does an eccentric youth with an extraordinary olfactory sense, suddenly become such a monster?

"In its overall immoral sense, it is finally a moral story," explained Tykwer. "The shattering of this character in his greatest moment of triumph is somehow reassuring. As I see it, I can only do my best to enhance, to spice up appearances, but at the end of the day, my own shortcomings become evident. I am also only somebody, the way we are all anybody. "

Although production costs exceeded 50 million euros ($60 million), "Perfume," which was widely regarded as a book that couldn't be brought to the screen, might still be considered unfilmable despite Tykwer's efforts. How is it possible to transpose a sensual tale of smells and fragrances to a cinematic medium that relies on audio-visual stimulation?

"Perfume," an olfactory story if there ever was one, has been rendered by its missing sense, senseless.