EDITORIAL: Gattaca (1997)
Movie Review: Gattaca
Gattaca - 5 Stars
An iconic science fiction film with Ethan Hawke, Jude Law, and Uma Thurman is one of the best films about the human spirit in a dystopian world driven by genetic discrimination. Directed in 1997 by Andrew Niccol, the sophisticated masterpiece "Gattaca", a science fiction film with elements of noir and drama is worth a watch (instead of gambling PlayAmo)!
Lesson #1: Character and power will count for everything - Even in the future dystopian society of Gattaca, where eugenics and genetic engineering predominate the person's fate, the human spirit seems to be stronger. The protagonist of the film, Vincent Anton Freeman (Ethan Hawke) is a naturally birthed child and he is identified as "in-valid", a member of the underclass. In the dystopian world where the plot of the film is set, the society is based on genetic discrimination: the people who are born with the aid of genetic engineering are perfect people without any genetic flaws who always become better jobs and are superior to the other people. They have perfect health and are immune to many diseases, and the highest ranks can get a prestigious job at a space program in Gattaca.
As "in-valid", Vincent works as a janitor despite the fact he has always dreamed of going to space and becoming an astronaut. To fulfill his dream and get into the upper class, Vincent does his best to be strong and fit and even finds an illegal solution to bypass the daily genetic screenings and infiltrate the system: he pays for the identity of Eugene, a former olympic-swimming athlete with perfect genetics, who was paralyzed and crippled in an accident. To bypass the daily screenings (the workers of Gattaca must do the daily tests) Vincent makes a deal with Eugene (Jude Law) and borrows every day his genetic material (blood samples, fingerprints, urine samples, etc.). He masquerades as Jerome, the "valid" man with the prestigious job. As Jerome Vincent falls in love with beautiful Irene (Uma Thurman) and fulfills his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut. This is how potential and character decide one's fate. This lesson makes "Gattaca" very motivational and optimistic: even if destiny seems to be assigned through genetic engineering, there is nothing superior to the human spirit.
Lesson #2: There are no desirable or undesirable traits, they all make us individuals – “Gattaca” tackles the topic of discrimination not just in an ethical, but also in a rational way. Yes, perfect test-tube babies have perfect DNAs and are disease-free, but doesn’t these eugenics make people lose their personality and uniqueness? Diversity and the human spirit (the second can be not defined by genes) are the things that make us human and individuals. And, of course, it is tragic when different DNA or physical disability (Eugene) don’t let people be captains of their fates.
It is surprising how stubborn and motivated Vincent is: being an imperfect and unloved child in the family, he grows up realizing that his brother, genetically enhanced Anton is much taller, stronger, and faster than he is. Anton doesn't have any serious health conditions and has perfect eyesight. To exceed Anton is an important goal of Vincent, and he manages to do it: just as in their childhood, one day they go swimming in the sea and Vincent beats Anton at it and leaves his “valid” and perfect brother behind. Andrew Niccol’s 1997 film “Gattaca” also shows the genetically determined world as a world without bright colors and outlines the harm which can be done to society by labeling traits as “valid” and “invalid”. This is a world without dreams, progress, and the human spirit. It seems to be perfect but all the technological advancements developed to produce perfect people hurt humanity, motivation, and diversity. Moreover, underestimated underdogs and outcasts are often people who do their best to achieve their dreams. Vincent who is inferior to "valid" as his brother Anton, Irene, and Eugene seem to be more successful than them: he manages to remain individual.
Lesson #3: Discrimination is evil - As mentioned before, the film addresses such themes as bigotry and discrimination and does it in a very thought-provoking way. Discrimination destroys individuality and doesn't make people think, it is about regress.
Lesson #4: A brilliant sci-fi film doesn’t need any special visual effects to be a masterpiece – "Gattaca" isn't full of special visual effects and spectacular fights and aliens, but it is a visually stunning film. It is a work of art, and I will rewatch it. Have you already seen "Gattaca"?
