The other day I was flipping through channels and came upon the show Ebert and Roeper (which was previously Siskel and Ebert). And for one reason or another I simply was captivated. Honestly, I wanted to change the channel, but I didn't. I think what was most fascinating is that Ebert wasn't even on the show that night….which is a whole other concern….don’t get me started. Anywho, they talked about a bunch of movies and gave their famous "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" votes. One movie review that has stuck with me since then was "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer". This movie is based upon the book Perfume written by Patrick Süskind (originally published in German Das Parfum in 1985) BTW- I was three years old when this book was first published.
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille - Main character and protagonist. Metaphorically compared to a tick and spider. Like a tick, he is contained within himself, and only reaches to the outside world to suck the life from other people. Lacking all emotions except hatred, he is alienated from society. He was arrogant, immoral, and wicked. Born July 17, 1738 in Paris. He is extremely gifted in the fleeting realm of scent.
I am not going to go into specifics. If you so chose please peruse the internet and educate yourself further on the Movie and the Book .
My main concern is.... WHAT!!! seriously. I am at a loss. Are they for real? Listen, this book was published in the early 80's which means it was written in the 70's which means there was probably all kinds of hallucinogens being partaken of while this book was being written. I am not saying the author is a hippie pot head, I am just saying he was probably around them.
Honestly, the movie looks kinda cheesy. Tagline: "He lived to find beauty. He killed to possess it" [read more Here]... but from what I gather about the book it's a horrifying read. Apparently the author found a way to bring readers into his mind when he... may or may not have just dropped acid..... charming....And now hollywood has decided to make it a movie...
We’re not in Kansas any more…when I was growing up we had lots of fun and fanciful songs, books, tv shows etc. (inspired unofficially of course by various narcotics) And none of them involved murder. What is society coming to?! Actually, I don’t think Herr Süskind wrote Das Parfum as a children’s book. At least I hope not. Those Germans are an unpredictable lot though. And, aren't hippies all about peace? Wow. Süskind needs a hug... and Zoloft.
- Alice in Wonderland
- Puff the Magic Dragon
- Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood okay, not Mister Rogers, he wasn’t on drugs, he did seem very calm and happy all the time though. And why was he always changing clothes. To this day it still doesn’t make any sense to me. Why did he change his sweater and shoes every single time he got home? Always just sweater and shoes
- Bob Ross' The Joy of Painting for the record, I don't think Bob Ross was on drugs. But there was something about him that appealed to people who were on drugs. Maybe it was his fluffy hair and the soft, soothing way he talked about painting clouds....
Interesting little tidbit for all you Nirvana fans. In case you didn't know, Kurt Cobain used Süskind's Perfume as the basis of his song "Scentless Apprentice" which is on Nirvana's In Utero album. Which only proves further the relationship of this book and drugs.
Nonetheless as if not already obvious...
JUST SAY "NO" to drugs
KK recommends-
Nirvana- Unplugged in NY
This CD holds a special place in my heart. I don't think I would have gotten through the dark ages (aka: high school) without it.
And for your listening pleasure I have the perfect song to end with, It's an 80's classic. It's dedicated to Herr Süskind... i guess....actually, If Jean-Baptiste Grenouille had a theme song this would be it...which is just full of irony considering how the story ends and the bands name....
Fine Young Cannibals- "She Drives Me Crazy"
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