DreamWorks Pictures has pacted with Germany's Constantin Film to acquire the domestic distribution rights to the new thriller, PERFUME, based on the bestselling novel by Patrick Suskind.
Set in 18th-century France, the story of murder and obsession centers around a man who, strangely lacking any scent of his own, has a unique talent for identifying smells, which he uses to create the world's finest perfumes. His gift leads to obsession when he turns to murdering young women on the verge of womanhood in order to capture their aroma.
Ben Whishaw, the acclaimed young British actor, who won several awards for his performance in the independent film, MY BROTHER TOM, will star in the central role of the killer on the hunt for the perfect scent. Emmy and Golden Globe winner Alan Rickman (HARRY POTTER franchise) has also been set to star in the film.
The film will be directed by Tom Tykwer, the award-winning director of HEAVEN and the German film RUN, LOLA, RUN. Bernd Eichinger (DOWNFALL, THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS) will produce the film from a screenplay he co-wrote with Andrew Birkin (THE NAME OF THE ROSE) and Tykwer.
In making the announcement, DreamWorks SKG president/coo Rick Sands stated, "PERFUME is one of those rare projects that comes along with a gripping story to tell and top-tier talent to tell it. Even more exciting, however, is the opportunity to work with director Tom Tykwer and Constantin Film, which is one of the most successful production companies in Europe. The acquisition of PERFUME illustrates a new direction for DreamWorks. We will be actively pursuing interesting projects throughout the world and thus bringing the works of talented international directors, actors and writers to American audiences."
Martin Moszkowicz, member of the board and president of production at Constantin Film, added, "We are enthusiastic about this cooperation with DreamWorks, which we have always seen as our favorite domestic distribution partner for PERFUME. We are convinced that, with their outstanding marketing and distribution expertise, DreamWorks will ensure an excellent release for PERFUME in North America."
DreamWorks SKG was formed in October 1994 by its three principal partners Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen. The studio is actively involved in the production of live-action motion pictures and network and cable television programs and the distribution of live-action and animated feature films, as well as home video entertainment.
Constantin Film has been one of the most successful producers and independent distributors of feature films in Germany for more than 25 years. The company, which has been listed on the stock market since 1999, is also involved in the domestic and international production of theatrical films as well as television production, both longform and series. The classic production and distribution operations have been supplemented successfully since 2003 by license trading, in-house exploitation of video and DVD rights and television entertainment production, which have made Constantin Film one of the leading media houses in Europe.
Rick DeMott
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