Perfume

This film, by a great director, is definitely a worthwhile experience - and a true, somewhat hidden, gem of the year. The realities of the situation it conveys are handled incredibly well, perhaps in a somewhat controversial light, and it doesn't shy away from the horrors or dramas - all conveyed to exception by the incredible actors, who all do an incredible and career defining job. The cinematography, cutting and editing is great, very unique and very interesting. Very beautifully put together overall. It is somewhat of a shame that the score is rather low, and I do believe the somewhat controversial and unconventional style may contribute to that. I would however recommend that you give this drama a chance!

I don't know what this movie was supposed to be about. Certainly the notes on the back of the box are, well, not very helpful. Something about the cutthroat fashion industry, I guess. It had potential and it was well acted, if only there was a plot. What a shame and a waste of talent. A great cast, half uncredited on the video box, stuck in a scattered, incohesive mess. Save yourself.

In the world of high fashion, it seems, no one can account for the smiling models' faces, staring at us from magazines. There is the bi-sexual fashion designer (Paul Sorvino) who learns that he has incurable cancer. Although he keeps this a secret, he is far from encouraging to his in-the-same-business son. A young fashion designer (Leslie Mann) has broken with her former mentor (Rita Wilson), much to the older woman's chagrin and rage. The young protégé is also sleeping with an potent businessman (Jeff Goldblum) but no one is certain if she likes him or his influence. Meanwhile, a fashion magazine publisher is receiving a visit from the daughter (Michelle Williams) she abandoned 12 years ago, only to start ladling on the suggestions for a change in clothes and hairstyle for her sweet offspring. No one appears to be happy in this world. Is this what is truly going on? This film was made before The Devil Wears Prada, which at least had a happy ending, but it has the same take on the fashion biz, that it is cutthroat and heartless. If this is what is that world is like, no one should venture into the field without a shrink in tow. Then, too, the movie is a pseudo-documentary that introduces new characters at random and leaves the viewer scrambling to understand what has and is going on. The performances are fine, as are the costumes and settings, and the script has some memorable lines. But, it is not enough to make the movie a winner and the depressing nature of the film makes it anything but a pleasure to watch. If you have a young daughter or son interested in becoming a model, do show this film to them as a precaution to the world they may be entering. Otherwise, unless you deliberately want to watch a film without any joy, you would do well to steer clear of Perfume.

It was a Sunday night and i'm single, and my roomate was out of town, so all i could think of was renting a few movies. I picked this one up because the box seemed to have an interesting cast (Goldblum got me to pick this up) and the synopsis on the back sounded promising. Honestly, the only reason I watched this is because my PS2 DVD player wouldn't play my first pick, Lost and Delirious. I nevertheless put the movie in, and I right away didn't enjoy it. It was chock-full of poor acting, and I never felt anything for the characters, who were all just so bland. I also didn't like the fact that the cover boasted such names as Carmen Electra (who was featured for all of five minutes) when they didn't even play a reasonably important role. Overall, i gave it a 2 just out of pity, because the only 1 I have ever given was for Backyard Dogs, and I intend on doing so. As i said, unless you are fascinated about the fashion world, and by that i mean, well, obsessed, do yourself a HUGE favor and ask your video store manager to send this movie back to the distribution company.