[Its] off-the-charts screwiness obscures virtually all shortcomings.

Tykwer loses his cinematic grip when he tries to blend murder and piety. In his hands, the two don't emulsify.

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is another nauseous example of style over content: a toxic tale of serial homicide set in 18th-century France that creeps you out faster than it makes you think.

Finding the humanity in an individual who commits heinous acts is a challenge that requires a strong screenplay and a terrific central performance. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer has both.