Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006)
Tom Tykwer's dark, visually arresting adaptation of Patrick Süskind's landmark novel about obsession, genius, and murder in 18th-century France.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - Movie Information
- Original Title: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Tom Tykwer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Fantasy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 13, 2006 (Germany - 12), January 5, 2007 (United States - R), January 5, 2007 (Canada - 18A), December 26, 2006 (United Kingdom - 15), October 4, 2006 (France - U), February 1, 2007 (Australia - MA15+), January 26, 2007 (Brazil - 16), September 22, 2006 (Italy - T), November 24, 2006 (Spain - 18), March 22, 2007 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Koku,bir katilin hikayesi (TR), Perfume (US), 향수: 어난 삽인자의 이야기 (KR), 香水：一個杰人者的故事 (CN), Το Άρωμα: Η Ιστορία Ενός Δολοφόνου (GR), Das Parfum (AT), El Perfume: Historia de un asesino (MX), Парфюмът: Историята на един убиец (BG)
- Production Companies: Constantin Film, VIP Medienfonds 4, NEF Productions, Davis Films, Castelao Productions, Rising Star Productions, DreamWorks Pictures, Summit Entertainment, Bernd Eichinger Productions
- Production Countries: Germany, France, Spain, United States of America, Belgium
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - Plot
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, born in the stench of 18th century Paris, develops a superior olfactory sense, which he uses to create the world's finest perfumes. However, his work takes a dark turn as he tries to preserve scents in the search for the ultimate perfume.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Grenouille's haunting obsession unfold on screen:
Obsession can cause the unthinkable.
Where to Watch Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Looking for where to watch Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tom Tykwer
Main Cast
- Ben Whishaw
- Alan Rickman
- Rachel Hurd-Wood
- Dustin Hoffman
- John Hurt
- Karoline Herfurth
- David Calder
- Simon Chandler
- Sian Thomas
- Jessica Schwarz
Writers
- Andrew Birkin
- Bernd Eichinger
- Tom Tykwer
Producers
- Bernd Eichinger
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer - FAQs
What is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer about?
The film follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born in the squalor of 18th-century Paris with a preternatural sense of smell. Driven by obsession, he apprentices under a master perfumer and ultimately turns to murder in his relentless quest to capture the perfect human scent.
What is the shocking ending of Perfume explained?
After Grenouille unleashes his ultimate perfume on the crowd gathered for his execution, the audience is overcome with ecstasy and forgives him entirely. He later returns to Paris and pours the remaining perfume over himself, causing a frenzied mob to consume him — a darkly poetic self-destruction.
Where can you stream Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?
You can rent or buy Perfume: The Story of a Murderer on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available to watch for free on Kanopy and Hoopla, making it easy to find no matter your preference.
Is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer based on a book?
Yes — the film adapts Patrick Süskind's celebrated 1985 German novel Das Parfum. The book was a massive international bestseller and long considered unfilmable due to its sensory, interior nature. Tom Tykwer's adaptation took on that challenge with striking visual and musical inventiveness.
Who are the main actors in Perfume?
Ben Whishaw leads the film as the haunting Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, supported by an exceptional cast including Alan Rickman as the protective father Richis, Dustin Hoffman as the eccentric perfumer Baldini, Rachel Hurd-Wood as Laura, and John Hurt as the film's narrator.
Why is Perfume rated R?
Perfume carries an R rating for strong violence, disturbing content, nudity, and a famously provocative orgy sequence near the film's climax. The dark subject matter — serial murder, obsession, and moral depravity — makes it firmly adult viewing, though it remains a visually stunning and thought-provoking work.
How was Perfume received by critics and audiences?
Critical reception was mixed but respectful. Many praised Ben Whishaw's mesmerizing performance, Frank Griebe's lush cinematography, and the bold score by Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, and Reinhold Heil. Audiences were more enthusiastic, drawn to its dark fairy-tale atmosphere and unforgettable finale.
Where was Perfume: The Story of a Murderer filmed?
Principal photography took place across several European countries. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter stood in for 18th-century Paris, while the picturesque town of Girona doubled as Grasse. Additional filming took place in Germany and France, giving the film its rich, period-authentic visual texture.
More About Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Explore further details about this film on these authoritative resources: