Gattaca film review

Gattaca (1997)

Rating: 8/10

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This Sci-Fi thriller, written and directed by Andrew Niccol, explores a future world that operates through genetic discrimination and the odds that are stacked up against those that do not fit into the favourable genetic mold. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Loren Dean and Jude Law.

Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) finds himself as a misfit in a world that validates people according to their genetic makeup. He is an inferior man or rather an invalid because his parents chose to conceive him without any genetic selection. Realising this error they have committed, his parents supposedly redeem themselves by selecting a specific DNA coding for their second son Anton (Loren Dean). Anton thus possesses the perfect and complete tailor suit identity that makes him valid and Vincent, well; he’s what we would call in Simone de Beauvior’s term, the “Other”.

Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a paraplegic with the perfect genetic characteristics becomes Vincent’s saving grace. By taking his identity Vincent begins his journey to unlock his dream and his position in Gattaca Corporations is elevated.

At first, the idea of borrowing someone’s identity seemed rather disturbing because, let’s face it, collecting your buddy’s urine samples and a couple strands of his hair for personal use is gross on so many levels. But as the film progressed and I grasped its concept, I realised that this is not some far-fetched theme. We are currently living in a world of discrimination and marginalisation where people borrow various identities that allow them to fit into this world.

In my opinion, this film has more to it than the typical rise above the limitations theme as the overriding concept of the story. The story is thought provoking in that it compels the viewer to engage with it by asking questions. I found myself wondering whether Vincent truly perceived his identity as completely flawed or was it his society and the Gattacan world and its delusional demand for perfection. The role of Irene (Uma Thurman), who also has genetic limitations, is quite significant. Niccol knits an us-against-the-world bond through Irene and Vincent’s relationship.

The film is not the usual fast-paced, dramatic montages and sound effects. Most scenes linger over the others at a slower pace. The fade in shots and close-ups allow the viewer to personally engage with the film and its subjects. This is quite a brilliant technique carried out through the most part of the film, it keeps viewers connected to the story. This is a film for any sci-fi and thriller fans. It is great movie that sheds some interesting perspective of what the future could possibly be.