“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” – Nathan’s Movie Challenge, Week 25
“Talent means next to nothing, while experience acquired in humility and hard work means everything.”
Wow. Perfume is magnificent.
So many shots were vivid and painterly in their composition. The score was pitch-perfect – blending seamlessly between reverie and suspense. The story was fantastic and a richly woven yarn of obsession. The treatment of color was remarkably well-conceived. Exceptional actors, a filmic kineticism, distinctive dialogue… How did this film not win every award? I don’t know what else to say other than I loved this movie.
I felt like I was smelling everything I was seeing. If that isn’t a complete win for the filmmakers, I don’t know what is.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer was at the time of this review at #1840 on my Flickchart list of shame (ranked #2675 among the best films of all time). Here’s how it entered my chart:
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. Brotherhood of the Wolf
Brotherhood is also quite visually rich and fantastic, but not on the same plane as Perfume.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. Catch Me If You Can
While I will always be a Spielberg fan, Catch Me If You Can will never be top-tier Spielberg for me.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. Clueless
There are few teen comedies that do such an amazing job as Clueless, but Perfume is so artful that it sails right past it.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. Silver Linings Playbook
A truly fine David O. Russell picture, but not his best (Three Kings takes that spot). Perfume wins.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. Requiem for a Dream
Ok, so here’s the first real battle. Requiem for me is a game-changing, highly impactful piece of cinema. There’s nothing else like it. As much as I completely adored Perfume, I think Requiem deserves to win. Aronofsky proved himself ten times over in a single work.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. Kingpin
Man, I love Kingpin, but come on… Perfume.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Wow, Amy Heckerling back for another shot! Fast Times sits right beside Clueless as one of the absolute peaks of teen comedy. I have to still give it to Perfume for flooring me with its distinction.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. Big
Aw, here comes nostalgia. When we talk about fantasy working magic in a movie, Big should always be in the discussion. I can’t vote against it.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. The Iron Giant
Oh, this is gonna hurt. A really, really tough competition, here. I will sing the praises of The Iron Giant forever, but… ugh. Perfume is so damn good. This is nearly a coin toss decision, but I think there’s just a little more simultaneously succeeding in Perfume.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer vs. Pi
Aronofsky, back for another round. Again, he’ll take the win. Pi really, really works for me. It’s a movie that transcends and implanted itself into my psyche and made me a lifelong Aronofsky devotee.
I’m astonished Perfume climbed as high as it did, but it deserves its spot.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is now ranked #53 out of 1453 movies on my Best Movies of All-Time chart.
It’s now my 2nd favorite Serial Killer Film I’ve seen (behind Se7en) and my #1 favorite film I’ve seen from 2006 (ahead of The Fountain, Apocalypto, and The Departed).
Next up are The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Unforgiven. In the meantime, check out the other films I’ve ranked during the challenge.