Perfume
Perfume is a metaphor for rich men that come to the festival due to its popularity rather than their love for movies. They are sought out by young actresses who are looking for someone who would sponsor their lifestyle or finance a movie of theirs. They are called perfumes because they can always be changed once the actress realizes that the man is not worthy of her time either due to his finances or personality or simply because another richer man is interested in them. These men are dispensable and the women are after them only because they are good for their future.
Pilgrimages
The Film Festival at Cannes is called a pilgrimage for those who are looking for stardom. Pilgrimage is basically a journey made by someone who is looking for a long-sought after thing, as it was believed that being close to something mysterious and unattainable could bring blessings. Thousands of strugglers and established industry professionals visit Cannes every year hoping that they might get what they want, a lucky break or more fame and money.
Crucifixion of Christ
Hamid wonders why people are so obsessed with celebrities. People travel miles ot catch a glimpse of their favorite star, follow them maniacally. But, stardom has shortfalls too. The star that people may consider as their idol, they are ready metaphorically stone and crucify him for something that might not approve of.
She had chosen the road less traveled, and though it cost her dearly, it has been worth it.
Jasmine, who was the only child of immigrant parents in Belgium, was never expected to become a model. She was a black and with a meagre income. But, a traumatic event in her life made her want to escape her life for which she chose modeling. The poem by Robert Frost is a metaphor for her own life where she chose a career not many chose and though it had been difficult and she had to let go of her innocence as a teenager, it had been worth it.
If you’re successful, you’ll have to learn to live with two women
The Director explains to Gabriela after she passes the audition that if she chooses to accept their terms, she will be the face of their brand and will be instantly shot to stardom, but she’ll have to live by their terms and would have to let go of her own free will. She will have to put up with a charade and so her life will become as if she has two women in her, one who has immense stardom and fame and another who has no power over her own life.
