Calder, David

Perfume - The Story Of A Murderer

Based on the bestselling novel "Perfume" is a story of an obsession so overwhelming that it leads to murder. In18th-century France lived Jean-Baptiste Grenouille (Ben Whishaw) who was born with a phenomenal sense of smell. But as his gift becomes an obsession he strives to create the most intoxicating perfume in the world by murdering young women to capture their essence.System Requirements:Running Time: 147 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: R UPC: 097361178349 Manufacturer No: 117834

Based on Patrick Suskind's novel about a serial killer who hunts victims with his superhuman sense of smell, Perfume: Story of a Murderer is a florid, grisly portrayal of this historical drama set in 18th century France. Jean-Baptiste Grunuis (Ben Whishaw) is born under his mother's table at the fish market, onto a pile of muddy fish guts, establishing from the beginning his repulsion for putrid scents. A childhood of neglect and, later, a job at a tannery, encourage Jean-Baptiste to develop his olfactory sense rather than his verbal skills, so that an opportunity to prove his worth to Parisian perfumist, Giuseppe Baldini (Dustin Hoffman), results in his immediate hire into a promising new career. His successes in perfume mixing are negated by a blinding obsession for capturing the sublime beauty of human soul, which in his twisted logic requires the killing of young women to reduce their body fats to essential oils for the ultimate, cannibalized eau de parfum. An omniscient narrator tells the story with much sympathy for Jean-Baptiste's perverted psychology, making it, often, too obvious that his need for love justifies his murderous desire to capture misguided sexual attractions in a vile. Continuous close-ups of Grunius's nose, countered by close-ups of the places and objects he smells, enhance the viewer's understanding of his sensitivity. Repeated comparisons are made between the killer and dogs who aid, then expose his sick experimentation. The settings are fascinating, especially Baldini's perfumery and some later scenes in enflorage factories outside Provence. Whishaw's and Hoffman's performances are both grand. But Perfume unnecessarily spells out Jean-Baptiste's psychosis, squelching any chance for metaphor. This is unfortunate, considering the story's paradoxical nature. As this crude hunter navigates his way through a world of utmost delicacy, one craves ambiguity rather than explanation. --Trinie Dalton

Stills from Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer (click for larger image)

Jason and the Argonauts

One of the most legendary adventures in all mythology is brought to life in Jason and the Argonauts an epic saga of good and evil.As a mere boy Jason (Jason London) the heir to the kingdom of Ancient Greece witnesses the murder of his father at the hands of his ruthless uncle Pelias (Dennis Hopper). After narrowly escaping death Jason flees his home and returns twenty years later to reclaim the throne. Upon learning of his return Pelias sentences him to death. To save his life Jason promises to deliver the most coveted gift of the gods to his uncle - the Golden Fleece. Joined by the Argonauts a stout-hearted crew of sailors he embarks on a perilous voyage to capture the Fleece and fulfill his destiny.Also joining this remarkable all-star cast are Frank Langella as King Aertes and Natasha Henstridge as Hypsipyle. Jason and the Argonauts is both a mythic adventure and a classic love story a film achievement destined to thrill generations for years to come.System Requirements:Starring: Jason London Frank Langella Natasha Henstridge Angus MacFadyen Dennis Hopper Jolene Blalock and Brian Thompson. Directed By: Nick Willing. Running Time: 179 Min. Color. This film is presented in "Standard" format. Copyright 2000 Artisan Entertainment.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: NR UPC: 707729106388 Manufacturer No: 10638

Is your classical Greek rusty? This is just the thing--a feast of epic Greek mythology--and the classic tale of Good (Jason, Theseus, Hercules, Orpheus) versus Evil (angry gods, Poseidon, Harpies, the women of Lemnos) is a great introduction. The plot has been entertaining people for thousands of years and is still going strong--now strengthened by great special effects and good acting. Sure, some people will think this version isn't "high culture" enough (it's a bit reminiscent of The Clash of the Titans), but those folks should probably be reading Bulfinch's Mythology instead of watching TV anyway.

The DVD includes a "making of" documentary, "notable and quotable," detailed cast and crew information, scene access, and Dolby surround sound. Even hard-core fans of Ray Harryhausen's 1963 stop-motion-animation version will find room in their hearts (and DVD libraries) for this one. Although the basic plot elements are the same, the two versions achieve very different (and both quite enjoyable) effects. The new Jason and the Argonauts is something kids and adults can all enjoy. --Tara Chace

The World Is Not Enough

In his 19th screen outing, Ian Fleming's superspy is once again caught in the crosshairs of a self-created dilemma: as the longest-running feature-film franchise, James Bond is an annuity his producers want to protect, yet the series' consciously formulaic approach frustrates any real element of surprise beyond the rote application of plot twists or jump cuts to shake up the audience. This time out, credit 007's caretakers for making some visible attempts to invest their principal characters with darker motives--and blame them for squandering The World Is Not Enough's initial promise by the final reel.

By now, Bond pictures are as elegantly formal as a Bach chorale, and this one opens on an unusually powerful note. A