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Cinema and perfume: a subtle alliance to touch the soul

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The seventh art and the world of perfumery, two seemingly distinct worlds, nevertheless come together in an olfactory and visual dance to create intense and unforgettable emotions. If image and sound are the key words of cinema, perfume subtly invites itself to titillate our sense of smell and enrich the cinematic experience.



Une alliance créative du parfum au service du septième art

Emotion at the heart of cinema and perfume

Emotion is the common thread that connects cinema and perfume. A film transports us into a story, makes us experience laughter, tears, fear or joy, and a scent can awaken buried memories, sensations and deep feelings in us.


Cinema uses images, music and acting to arouse these emotions in the viewer. Perfume, for its part, acts in a more subtle and intimate way, addressing directly our olfactory system, closely linked to memory and emotions.


Perfumes and souvenirs: an olfactory journey


A scent can instantly take us back to a specific moment in our lives, to a loved one or to a particular place. The sense of smell has a unique power of reminiscence, capable of reviving forgotten sensations and emotions.


It is this evocative power that cinema appropriates to create even stronger links with the public. By diffusing specific fragrances during filming or integrating them into the story, directors manage to create a unique olfactory atmosphere which permeates the film and reinforces the emotional impact of the scenes.


An example: “Perfume: Story of a Murderer”


In the film “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”, smell plays a central role. The main character, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, has a hypersensitive sense of smell and an obsession with perfumes. The film explores the relationship between perfume and identity, seduction and power, while illustrating the power of olfactory memories.


and so many other perfumes that played an important role in our favorite films

  • La Boum (1980): This cult French film stars Sophie Marceau in the role of Victoire, a teenager who discovers the world of parties and love. Lancôme's "Attrape-Coeur" perfume plays an important role in the story, symbolizing Victoire's femininity and emancipation.


  • A Scent of a Woman (1992): Al Pacino plays Frank Slade, a blind retired lieutenant colonel, who hires a young student to accompany him on a weekend in New York. Perfume plays a crucial role in their relationship, as Frank uses it to seduce women and feel confident.


  • Eyes Wide Shut (1999): This Stanley Kubrick film stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a married couple who explore each other's fantasies and secrets. Guerlain's "Shalimar" perfume is omnipresent in the film, symbolizing temptation, sensuality and mystery.


  • Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001): This enchanting French film tells the story of Amélie Poulain, a young woman who decides to spread joy in the lives of the people around her. Perfume plays a secondary but important role in the film, creating a sweet and nostalgic ambiance.


  • Black Swan (2010): Natalie Portman plays Nina, a prima ballerina obsessed with perfection. Perfume is used in the film to symbolize Nina's transformation, her sensuality and her madness.


  • The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): This Wes Anderson film features a cast of eccentric characters in a majestic hotel in central Europe. Dior's "J'adore" perfume is used in the film to create a luxurious and refined ambiance.


  • Phantom Thread (2017): Daniel Day-Lewis plays Reynolds Woodcock, a perfectionist London fashion designer. Perfume plays an important role in his creative process and in his relationship with his muse Alma.


These films are just a sample of the many cinematic works that explore the fascinating connection between cinema and perfume. The evocative power of fragrances allows directors to create unique sensory universes and enrich the viewer's emotional experience.



Eco.French.Lab: unique know-how serving emotion


At Eco.French.Lab, we understand the deep connection between cinema and perfume. We are convinced that olfactory can bring an additional dimension to the cinematic experience, reinforcing the emotional impact of films and creating unforgettable memories for spectators.


This is why we put our know-how as creative perfumers at the service of cinema. We collaborate with directors, producers and studios to create bespoke fragrances that fit perfectly into the world and story of their films.


Our creative approach: a synergy between image and smell


To create a perfume for cinema, we first immerse ourselves in the world of the film. We read the script, watch the first images and talk with the director to understand his vision and intentions.


Next, we explore different scent notes and accords to create a fragrance that reflects the mood of the film, the emotions of the characters and the story as a whole. We work closely with the director to ensure that the scent is in perfect harmony with the film and enhances the viewer's experience.


A creative alliance at the service of the seventh art

The link between cinema and perfume is a subtle and powerful alliance that touches the soul of the spectator. By combining image, sound and smell, cinema offers an immersive and emotionally rich experience.


At Eco.French.Lab, we are passionate about this creative alliance and put our know-how at the service of cinema to create tailor-made perfumes that enhance films and transport spectators into unforgettable olfactory worlds.


Anne-Marie Spencer


Lire l'article en français : post/le-cinema-et-le-parfum

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