Katrina Rosales
The Perfume show, released in 2018, is a German series inspired by the book of the same name by Patrick Suskind. The show is about a singer who is found murdered with her scent glands removed from her body. The series explores the manipulation of scent and people, and the psychology behind the desire to be loved. It has received mixed reviews, with some praising the suspense and cinematography, while others criticise the character development and moral ambiguity. The show has sparked discussions about the portrayal of violence against women and the accuracy of certain plot points. Overall, it has left viewers with lingering questions and a desire for a second season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Crime thriller |
| Plot | Based on motives by the global best-seller of the same name by Patrick Suskind, the series shifts the action to the modern day and uses the book's idea of manipulating people through scent |
| Theme | Explores the sensation of scent and delves into human psychology and the universal desire to be loved and appreciated |
| Tone | Dark, suspenseful, climactic, and at times repulsive |
| Setting | Germany |
| Language | German |
| Format | Six-part series |
| Audience | Adults |
| Availability | Netflix |
| Reception | Positive; well-acted, well-received, and acclaimed for its cinematography. However, some viewers found the story hard to follow and the characters unlikeable or amoral. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The representation of perfume in popular culture
One notable example is the German Netflix series "Perfume" (2018), based on the global bestseller "Perfume" by Patrick Suskind. The show shifts the novel's plot to the modern day, focusing on a group of friends from boarding school who are probed by detectives after a singer is found murdered with her scent glands excised. The series explores the idea of manipulating people through scent, adding a layer of complexity to the crime story. While the show received mixed reviews, particularly for its dark and repulsive themes, it left viewers with lingering questions and a desire for a second season.
"Les Parfums," a subtitled film available on Amazon, offers a charming and comedic take on the life of a reclusive French perfumer and her chauffeur. The film delves into the serious side of perfumery, showcasing the art of scent appreciation and the technical aspects of the profession.
In addition to these dedicated olfactory-themed productions, perfume also makes notable appearances in other popular shows. For instance, the first season of "Emily in Paris" includes a storyline about the creation and marketing of a perfume, offering a glimpse into the French perspective on fragrance.
The increasing presence of perfume and scent-related themes in popular culture suggests a growing appreciation for the art and science of perfumery. This shift in representation contributes to a broader understanding of the sense of smell and its impact on our lives.
Explore the Unique Diesel Fragrance Universe
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The art of perfumery
One of the key aspects of the art of perfumery is the understanding and manipulation of different scent families and their effects on the human psyche. Perfumers often classify fragrances into categories such as floral, woody, oriental, and fresh, each evoking distinct emotions and associations. For example, floral scents may evoke feelings of romance and femininity, while woody fragrances can convey sophistication and warmth.
The creative process of a perfumer involves imagination, skill, and a deep understanding of the art. It often begins with a concept or theme, inspired by nature, memories, or cultural influences. The perfumer then carefully selects a combination of notes, including top notes that provide the initial impression, middle notes that form the heart of the fragrance, and base notes that provide depth and longevity.
In recent years, the art of perfumery has gained greater recognition and appreciation in popular culture. Television shows, such as "Perfume" and "Les Parfums," have showcase the world of perfumery, exploring the creative process, the lives of perfumers, and the impact of scent on human behaviour. These representations have contributed to a growing appreciation for fragrance as an art form, shedding light on the intricate and fascinating world of perfumery.
Equipping Perfume on Bayonetta: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Human psychology and the desire to be loved
The German Netflix series *Perfume* is based on the global bestseller of the same name by Patrick Suskind. The series shifts the action to the modern day and uses the book's idea of manipulating people through scent as a starting point. It explores the theme of human psychology and the universal desire to be loved and appreciated.
The series follows a group of friends from boarding school after a singer is found murdered with her scent glands excised from her body. The show delves into the dark and repulsive, exploring human depravity and wickedness. It has been described as a "tough viewing experience" and embraces a misanthropic view of the world and society. The central characters, including the police, are amoral and lack a moral compass, making it hard for viewers to attach to them. Despite this, the show has received positive reviews for its exceptional cinematography and suspense, with one viewer stating that it was "one of the most fascinating shows" they had seen all year.
The exploration of scent in the series adds an element of vagueness and disconcertment to the crime story. The show also examines the creation and marketing of perfume, as well as the life of a perfumer. It highlights the art of perfumery and bottles, as well as the sense of smell.
Perfume showcases the human desire to be loved and appreciated through its exploration of scent manipulation and the impact this has on human relationships. The characters' flaws and their struggle to find love and acceptance are central to the narrative, providing an interesting insight into human psychology and the lengths people will go to satisfy their desires.
The Best YSL Perfume Scents for You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The process of creating perfume
Sourcing Ingredients
The first step in perfume creation is gathering and sourcing the finest ingredients. This includes natural ingredients such as flowers, grasses, spices, fruits, woods, roots, resins, balsams, leaves, gums, and even animal secretions like musk and ambergris. These ingredients are carefully selected for their unique aromas and properties.
Essential Oil Extraction
The next crucial step is extracting the essence from the chosen ingredients. There are several methods for extracting essential oils, including ancient and modern techniques:
- Steam Distillation: This method involves passing steam through plant material, turning the essential oil into gas. The gas is then cooled and liquefied, resulting in pure essential oil.
- Solvent Extraction: Flowers or plant materials are placed in large rotating drums and soaked in solvents like benzene or petroleum ether to extract the oils.
- Enfleurage: This ancient technique, used by the Egyptians and French perfumers, involves placing flowers or organic material in a fat or oil base to absorb the fragrance.
- Maceration: A method favoured by the Greeks and Romans, where organic material is soaked in oil or water until the fragrance is released.
- Expression: A mechanical process of squeezing or pressing the ingredients to release the oils.
Blending
Once the essential oils are extracted, the art of blending begins. This step requires expertise and a refined sense of smell. The oils are blended according to a precise formula, often created by a master perfumer, known as a "nose." This formula may include numerous ingredients, carefully combined to create a harmonious fragrance. Blending is a delicate process that can take years to perfect, balancing different notes to create a unique scent.
Aging and Dilution
After blending, the perfume is aged in a cool, dark location for at least 48 hours to several weeks. This maturation process allows the scents to meld and intensify. Following maturation, the perfume is diluted with a small amount of distilled water and glycerine to preserve the fragrance.
Bottling
The final step is bottling the perfume. Clear bottles must be covered with foil or wrapping paper to protect the fragrance from light, ensuring its longevity.
Creating perfume is a meticulous and artistic endeavour that has captivated perfumers and enthusiasts for centuries. It involves a deep understanding of ingredients, extraction techniques, and the delicate art of blending. The result is a harmonious fragrance that delights the senses.
Unveiling Exclamation Perfumes: The Creative Minds Behind the Scents
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The use of scent to manipulate people
In the series, a singer is found murdered with her scent glands removed from her body. This gruesome act is traced back to a group of boys at a boarding school who, like the characters in Suskind's novel, experiment with manipulating people using human scents. The series explores the power of scent and its potential to influence human psychology and desire.
The series received mixed reviews, with some viewers praising its suspense and cinematography, while others found the story hard to follow and the characters unlikeable and amoral. However, it is undeniable that the series contributed to a growing trend of scent and perfumery being taken more seriously in popular culture.
The art of perfumery is also explored in the film "Les Parfums," which tells the story of a reclusive French perfumer and her chauffeur. The film includes a scene where the chauffeur discovers a newfound appreciation for smell, sniffing various shower gels in a supermarket, showcasing how scent can evoke strong emotions and influence behaviour.
In addition to these fictional works, there are also documentaries and archival fragrance adverts that delve into the technical side of perfumery, providing a fascinating insight into the creation and marketing of perfumes.
Perfume and Hormones: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
*Perfume* is a German crime thriller series inspired by the book of the same name by Patrick Süskind. It explores the idea of manipulating people through scent. The show is about a group of friends who are probed by detectives when a singer is found murdered with her scent glands removed from her body.
*Parfum* is a show about a group of damaged and amoral characters. It is based on the book *Perfume* by Patrick Süskind and shifts the action to the modern day.
*Les Parfums* is a film about a reclusive, once-feared French perfumer and her new chauffeur. It takes a serious look at the life of a perfumer and explores the art of appreciating smells.
