By Jeff Swindoll Dec 19, 2006, 18:14 GMT
I said of another soundtrack review that it made me want to see the movie. Well, Perfume enchants on three levels. First, the score is ethereal and haunting, second, the poster/CD graphic is mysterious (a nude in silhouette transforming into rose petals), and finally, the film is based on a 1985 German novel by Patrick Suskind that was considered un-filmable.
I haven’t even mentioned what the plot is about yet and I already am intrigued. Perfume has sold 15 million copies worldwide (the most successful German novel since World War II) and been translated into 45 languages.
The plot is simply in 18th century France Jean-Baptiste Grenouille; he’s born with no scent of his own, but with a supernatural ability to detect the scent of others, is driven to murder in order to create the perfect perfume.
The trio of Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, and Reinhold Heil create a haunting score that utilizes orchestra and voice to great effect. The Berliner Philharmoniker under the direction or Sir Simon Rattle performs the score. The score is sweeping, eerie, and haunts the listener to great effect. It sounds as if it is an excellent accompaniment to a film that promises to be unique.
The soundtrack also comes with a bonus in that if you put it in your CD-ROM drive you can download a bonus track called “Experiment” from a website. From the sound of things, this movie is my cup of tea and one that I definitely have to see.
‘Perfume: The Story of a Murder’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the soundtrack database for more information and a complete track listing.
Your Talkback on this Story