In “Perfume”, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, the protagonist, has a unique gift of an extremely developed sense of smell. He becomes obsessed with creating the world’s finest perfume. His pursuit leads him to commit a string of murders to obtain the perfect scent from young women. In the end, upon achieving his goal, Jean finds no satisfaction, leading to his self-imposed demise. Surrendering himself to a crowd in the slums, he pours the last drop of the perfume on himself. It leads the mob to devour him, believing they are under the spell of his aroma, leaving nothing behind but his clothes. So, in essence, Jean is consumed by his own obsession.
What Does the Ending of Perfume Mean?
The ending of the movie, Perfume, is both shocking and thought-provoking. It sheds light on the dark side of human nature and the power of scents. The last scene is intense and ambiguous, leaving the audience with many questions and interpretations.
One possible interpretation is that the ending signifies the ultimate victory of Grenouilles obsession with scents over his twisted morality. He creates the ultimate perfume by using the scent of beautiful women, sacrificing their lives in the process. This final act of madness becomes his artistic masterpiece, a testament to his unique talent for creating scents.
Another possible explanation is that Grenouilles ultimate goal is to attain a sense of power and control over the world. He becomes a ruler of sorts, with the power to manipulate anyone with his scent. This is a clear contrast to his earlier life as a powerless and despised orphan.
The movie “Perfume” is a haunting tale of obsession and darkness, centered around the conflicted character of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. As he unknowingly becomes entangled in his own twisted desires, the audience is taken on a journey that’s both mesmerizing and disturbing. Let’s explore this thrilling narrative in more detail.
What Is the Movie Perfume About?
The movie Perfume is a cinematic adaptation of the famous book of the same name written by Patrick Süskind. Released in 2006, Perfume is a dramatic thriller that explores the depths of human obsession and the power of scent. The story revolves around Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an 18th-century Frenchman born without any body odor but with an incredible sense of smell.
After being abandoned by his mother and growing up in the miserable confines of an orphanage, Grenouille is thrust into the world of perfumery, where he discovers his true passion – the creation of the perfect scent. From there, the plot takes a dark and twisted turn as he becomes obsessed with capturing the essence of beauty and transforms into a serial killer, using the scent of girls as his inspiration.
Set in the time when perfumes were becoming more and more popular, the film takes the audience on a journey back to the 18th century. It explores the power of scent in a way that few other movies have ever done. Perfume delves into the complexities of human desires and emotions.
Perfume is an evocative and sensuous film that uses it’s imagery, dialogue, and sound to tell the story of a mans descent into madness. The cinematography and production design are exquisite, creating a visually stunning world full of vivid colors and exquisite details. The performances of the cast are also remarkable, with Ben Whishaw delivering a powerful and nuanced performance as the troubled and obsessed Grenouille.
It’s a masterpiece of storytelling that captivates the audience from beginning to end. The movie may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate intricate stories with a strong central character, it’s a must-watch.
Conclusion
The ending of "Perfume" is a stark reminder of the power of scent and the human obsession with it. It’s a cautionary tale of how easily we can be consumed by our desires and how dangerous it can be to pursue them without care for others. Jean, the protagonist, ultimately meets his demise at the hands of a mob, driven solely by the allure of his scent. The fact that this tragic end takes place in a fish market, a place known for it’s intense smells, only adds to the irony and tragedy of the situation.
