Perfume The Story Of A Murderer Ending Explained
The Plot
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a 2006 German supernatural thriller film directed by Tom Tykwer. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Patrick Süskind. The story revolves around Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an 18th-century Frenchman born with no body odor but with an exceptional sense of smell. Grenouille becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent and eventually resorts to murder to achieve his goal.
The Ending
The ending of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a haunting and unforgettable one. In the climax, Grenouille is finally able to create the perfect scent, but he realizes that he has no use for it. He has achieved his life's goal, but it brings him no satisfaction. He then pours the perfume all over himself, and the people around him become overwhelmed by the scent, and they become entranced by him. Grenouille realizes that he can use this power to manipulate people, and he decides to embark on a new journey - to become the ruler of the world through the power of his perfume.
The Symbolism
The ending of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is rich in symbolism. The perfume that Grenouille creates represents his desire for power and control. He has spent his entire life trying to create the perfect scent, and when he finally achieves it, he realizes that it is meaningless. The people who are entranced by his scent represent society, and Grenouille represents those who seek to manipulate and control them. The ending is a commentary on the dangers of power and the corrupting influence of ambition.
The Irony
The ending of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is also ironic. Grenouille has spent his entire life trying to create the perfect scent, and when he finally achieves it, he realizes that he is unable to enjoy it himself. He has no sense of smell, and he is unable to appreciate his own creation. The irony here is that Grenouille has sacrificed everything to achieve something that he cannot even enjoy.
The Criticism
The ending of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer has been criticized for being too dark and nihilistic. Some viewers have argued that the film's message is that there is no point in striving for greatness because it will ultimately lead to nothing but emptiness and despair. However, others have argued that the film's ending is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the corrupting influence of power.
The Controversy
The ending of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer has also been controversial because it deviates from the novel's ending. In the book, Grenouille pours the perfume on himself and is immediately torn apart by a crowd of people who are overwhelmed by the scent. This ending is much darker and more brutal than the film's ending. Some fans of the book have criticized the film for softening the ending and not staying true to the source material.
The Conclusion
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is a disturbing and thought-provoking film that explores the dark side of human nature. The ending of the film is haunting and unforgettable, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and discomfort. The symbolism, irony, and controversy surrounding the ending make it a topic of discussion and debate among fans and critics alike. Whether you love it or hate it, the ending of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.