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"Gattaca:" Movie Analysis

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“Gattaca” by Andrew Niccol: A Deontological Perspective Essay (Movie Review)

Let Justice be done though the heavens may fall. The movie Gattaca presents both a Utopia, for the genetically superior ‘valids’, and a Dystopia, for the normal average ‘invalids.’ The movie itself revolves around Vincent, an invalid who rejects the view that an invalid has no place in Gattaca, the space program. Aside from the stereotypical man against the world presentation, Vincent endures many challenges before he obtains his fulfillment in the end, the movie is also a commentary on the dangers of ‘customized’ genetically-tailored society. This paper will be a review of the movie from a deontological perspective as it will focus on the rightness or wrongness of Vincent’s actions rather than the rightness or wrongness of the consequences (Olson 343).

In the movie genetically superior ‘valids’ are the new uber-class in society, they occupy all the best jobs and top ranks because of their genetic superiority. People have long since abandoned the vagaries of natural selection in favor of creating tailor-made babies who do not have the congenital flaws of their parents. Anton is one example of this new superior class of people. His genetic superiority is obvious, compared to Vincent, who is a natural-born, he is obviously better. At age 8 he is already taller than Vincent at age 10. He has perfect eyesight while Vincent needs glasses. More importantly, he does not have the congenital heart problem Vincent has. Poor Vincent and the rest of the ‘love children’ are condemned to be the new under-class of society confined to jobs like custodian services and denied the opportunity to advance in life.

The swimming scenes between Vincent and his brother Anton are symbolic of the race between the genetically inferior and normal ‘in-valids’ and the genetically engineered ‘valids’ in virtually all the races Anton inevitably wins because he is superior in every way. Not only is he taller, stronger, and hardier than his brother he also does not have Vincent’s congenital heart problem. But in the last two occasions that they swam, the last race they had before Vincent went to live his fraudulent life to get into Gattaca, and the race after Anton discovered that Vincent was the suspected murderer, Vincent won. Vincent famously says ‘I wasn’t saving anything for the trip home’ and ‘we are closer to the other side’ when Anton asks how he could keep going. In the end, Vincent seems to have outsmarted Anton. However, to me, it was more a triumph of the human spirit over the obvious defeat of the human body. This was the director’s way of saying that even if the inferior ‘in-valid’ was, objectively speaking, inferior to the ‘valid’ the bias against them discounts the possibility of an ‘in-valid’ transcending his genetic limitations and rising to the occasion. In fact, the whole movie is about this transcendence. Vincent the inferior ‘in-valid’ succeeds in infiltrating Gattaca and becomes one of its top astronauts despite being ‘dead already’ (based on his heart condition).

In order to succeed in his dream, Vincent is forced to become a ladder climber. He an invalid ‘Valid’ Jerome Eugene Morrow, who was crippled in an accident, make a deadly trade. Vincent gets a regular supply of Jerome’s genetic material for the frequent DNA tests done at Gattaca in exchange for keeping Jerome in the lifestyle he is accustomed to. The bargain is risky but Vincent is desperate. As he says no matter how hard he studies, no matter how much he lied, no matter how hard he worked to become qualified for a job a simple Urine or blood test would reveal him for what he was an inferior.

Uma Thurman’s character Irene has a deontological duty to follow the prevailing social construct (Waller 23). Her duty-based ethics and adherence to the genetically tailored social order are so strong that she takes a sample of Jerome Eugene Morrow’s hair to be tested at a laboratory to see if he is a genetically acceptable match. She adheres because she is on the winning side of the construct of a genetic ‘valid’ the most elite segments of society are open to her. In fact, she is in Gattaca which is itself an exclusive, elitist organization where only the best ‘valids’ are allowed entry. However, she does have a heart murmur that prevents her from ascending to the stars. Her condition is considerably less severe than Vincent’s own heart problem but it never the less makes her unsuitable for space travel. Her genetic flaw and the way it prevents her from ascending to the stars is another harsh critique of the genetically engineered world. Despite being otherwise perfect, she is praised in the story as being smarter than anyone else in Gattaca, she is denied the opportunity she has worked so hard to gain.

Another commentary is her strict adherence to the eugenics policy which evaporates out of love for Jerome. Formerly a strict advocate of eugenics, when she falls in love with him suddenly the whole idea of genetic compatibility flies out the window and she consents to the match. After all, she has been maltreated by the system despite her adherence to it.

Perhaps the most significant part of the movie is the series of the scene at the end. Jerome commits suicide preferring death to the idea of continuing to live life as a parasite and a potential threat to Vincent’s success by burning himself in the incinerator that they used to eliminate Vincent’s unwanted genetic material. He no longer wishes to live because he has already reached the peak of his career and is condemned to live life as no more than a provider of ‘acceptable’ genetic material. The burning of Jerome is contrasted with the launch of the rocket ship, as the fake Jerome finally reaches for the starts fulfilling his dream, the real one ends his life by lighting his own funeral pyre. There is a Coda that presents people like Albert Einstein and Abraham Lincoln people who despite their genetic flaws were successful people. These people, in the movie set, would be condemned to an underclass life and would never have a chance to make the contributions they made in society.

Genetic Engineering is a science that is maturing but has yet to reach its time. To me, the movie serves as a warning to the extent that it can take place. For example, to me, it might be ok to engineer a child so that he will not get Congenital Heart Disease like Vincent. However, opening a slippery slope of further modification. Cancer-resistant genes or diabetes immunity would also sound appropriate but why stop there why not make humans all 7 feet tall or blond or blue-eyed? Once the modification begins there is no end to how far it could go. The creation of a superhuman might not be far off, the ideal man could now be engineered. But who defines what the ideal, or perfect man is? To me, genetic engineering to prevent disease and deformities might be ok. These flaws should be removed however, removing flaws opens a can of worms in that flaws might spread to skin color, or size, or other physical aspects that radical people might want to change. The eugenic discrimination in the movie might also happen in real life, after all, today Asians and African Americans still suffer discrimination of the worst sort and this discrimination is often based simply on the color of their skin. For me, it is better to keep the lid closed and trust in natural evolution. After all, Vincent got to space in the end did he not?

From a Deontological perspective, the genetic engineering of people is fine. The act of preventing disease and defect should be treated as independent of the consequences of discrimination and dehumanization it will cause. However, I disagree since the dehumanization of normal humans is a natural consequence of making a superior man. Justice (perfection) will be done. But the Heavens will definitely fall.

Works Cited

Niccol, Andrew: Gattaca 1997.

Olson, Robert G. 1967. ‘Deontological Ethics’. In Paul Edwards (ed.) The Encyclopedia of Philosophy. London: Collier Macmillan.

Waller, Bruce N. 2005. Consider Ethics: Theory, Readings, and Contemporary Issues. New York: Pearson Longman: 23.

Korsgaard, Christine. 1998. ‘Kant on Dealing with Evil’. In James P. Sterba, Ethics: The Big Questions. Blackwell Publishing.

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IvyPanda. (2022, June 13). "Gattaca" by Andrew Niccol: A Deontological Perspective. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gattaca-by-andrew-niccol-movie-analysis/

""Gattaca" by Andrew Niccol: A Deontological Perspective." IvyPanda , 13 June 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/gattaca-by-andrew-niccol-movie-analysis/.

IvyPanda . (2022) '"Gattaca" by Andrew Niccol: A Deontological Perspective'. 13 June.

IvyPanda . 2022. ""Gattaca" by Andrew Niccol: A Deontological Perspective." June 13, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gattaca-by-andrew-niccol-movie-analysis/.

1. IvyPanda . ""Gattaca" by Andrew Niccol: A Deontological Perspective." June 13, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gattaca-by-andrew-niccol-movie-analysis/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . ""Gattaca" by Andrew Niccol: A Deontological Perspective." June 13, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gattaca-by-andrew-niccol-movie-analysis/.

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What is genetic engineering, after all, but preemptive plastic surgery? Make the child perfect in the test tube, and save money later. Throw in perfect health, a high IQ and a long life-span, and you have the brave new world of “Gattaca,” in which the bioformed have inherited the earth, and babies who are born naturally get to be menial laborers.

This is one of the smartest and most provocative of science fiction films, a thriller with ideas. Its hero is a man who challenges the system. Vincent ( Ethan Hawke ) was born in the old-fashioned way, and his genetic tests show he has bad eyesight, heart problems and a life expectancy of about 30 years. He is an “In-Valid,” and works as a cleaner in a space center.

Vincent does not accept his fate. He never has. As a child, he had swimming contests with his brother Anton ( Loren Dean ), who has all the right scores but needs to be saved from drowning. Now Vincent dreams of becoming a crew member on an expedition to one of the moons of Saturn. Using an illegal DNA broker, he makes a deal with a man named Jerome ( Jude Law ), who has the right genes but was paralyzed in an accident. Jerome will provide him with blood, urine samples and an identity. In a sense, they'll both go into space. “Gattaca” is the remarkable debut of a writer-director from New Zealand, Andrew Niccol , whose film is intelligent and thrilling--a tricky combination--and also visually exciting. His most important set is a vast office where genetically superior computer programmers come to work every day, filing into their long rows of desks like the office slaves in King Vidor's “The Crowd” and Orson Welles' “The Trial.” (Why are “perfect” human societies so often depicted by ranks of automatons? Is it because human nature resides in our flaws?) Vincent, as “Jerome,” gets a job as a programmer, supplies false genetic samples and becomes a finalist for the space shot.

The tension comes in two ways. First, there's the danger that Vincent will be detected; the area is swept daily, and even an eyelash can betray him. Second, there's a murder; a director of the center, who questions the wisdom of the upcoming shot, is found dead, and a detective ( Alan Arkin ) starts combing the personnel for suspects. Will a computer search sooner or later put together Vincent, the former janitor, with “Jerome,” the new programmer? Vincent becomes friendly with Irene ( Uma Thurman ), who works in the center but has been passed over for a space shot because of low scores in some areas. They are attracted to one another, but romance in this world can be dangerous; after kissing a man, a woman is likely to have his saliva swabbed from her mouth so she can test his prospects. Other supporting characters include Gore Vidal , as a mission supervisor, and Tony Shalhoub as the broker (“You could go anywhere with this guy's helix under your arm”).

Hawke is a good choice for the lead, combining the restless dreams of a “Godchild” with the plausible exterior of a lab baby. The best scenes involve his relationship with the real Jerome, played by Law as smart, bitter, and delighted to be sticking it to the system that has grounded him. (He may be paralyzed from the waist down, but after all, as the movie observes, you don't need to walk in space.) His drama parallels Vincent's, because if either one is caught they'll both go down together.

Science fiction in the movies has recently specialized in alien invasions, but the best of the genre deals with ideas. At a time when we read about cloned sheep and tomatoes crossed with fish, the science in “Gattaca” is theoretically possible. When parents can order “perfect” babies, will they? Would you take your chances on a throw of the genetic dice, or order up the make and model you wanted? How many people are prepared to buy a car at random from the universe of all available cars? That's how many, I suspect, would opt to have natural children.

Everybody will live longer, look better and be healthier in the Gattacan world. But will it be as much fun? Will parents order children who are rebellious, ungainly, eccentric, creative, or a lot smarter than their parents are? There's a concert pianist in “Gattaca” who has 12 fingers. Don't you sometimes have the feeling you were born just in time?

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film Credits

Gattaca (1997)

Rated PG-13 For Brief Violent Images, Language and Some Sexuality

112 minutes

Alan Arkin as Detective Hugo

Uma Thurman as Irene

Jude Law as Jerome/Eugene

Gore Vidal as Director Josef

Loren Dean as Anton

Ethan Hawke as Vincent/Jerome

Written and Directed by

• Andrew Niccol

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The Rational Argumentator

A journal for western man – championing reason, rights, and progress since 2002, an analysis of ethical issues in the film “gattaca” (2004) – article by g. stolyarov ii, july 4, 2014 gennady stolyarov ii comments 4 comments.

The central ethical dilemma of the 1997 Andrew Niccol film Gattaca concerns the manner in which an individual ought to be judged. Should it be by the composition of his genome, present at birth, or by the attributes of personality and ambition that are chosen by that individual? In the futuristic society depicted in the film, genetic engineering allows for the elimination of almost all physical defects in newborns, whose bodily characteristics later render them far more favorable candidates for employment than those whose genes had not been enhanced in this manner. Eventually, interviews are conducted not to assess an applicant’s character and determination, but his genetic code. The even more fundamental question that arises from this is, “What determines the essential identity of a human being? Is it his genetic code, or is it something else?”

Vincent is a child born in the obsolete manner, and thus his genome is riddled with “errors,” from which high “probabilities” of him obtaining certain ailments later in life are inferred. Nevertheless, these are probabilities only, and Vincent is healthy, athletic, and yearns to one day explore outer space. Unfortunately, he is denied admission to Gattaca, the facility of the space program, on the basis of his genome alone. Despite his splendid knowledge of astronomy and navigation, the best test scores in the world will not admit him.

Yet Vincent is not content with the position of janitor, and “borrows” the identity of Jerome Morrow, a paralyzed individual with a superb genome. A series of complex procedures is designed to allow Vincent to pass all the substance tests and gain admission to Gattaca under the name of Jerome Morrow. Jerome may have the genetic endowment to enter Gattaca, but he lacks the will, and thus harbors no objection to Vincent taking his place. Another employee at Gattaca, Irene, had also been born in the obsolete manner, but her genome is adequate enough for her to be permitted to work on minor tasks. She suspects that Vincent may be connected with the recent murder of the mission director, who was about to uncover Vincent’s actual identity. In the process, however, she enters a relationship with Vincent, and faces the dilemma of whether or not to disclose his identity to the police.

Vincent’s brother, Anton, is the inspector heading the murder investigation. Throughout his childhood, he sought to demonstrate his superiority to Vincent by virtue of his enhanced genetic endowment. Nevertheless, Vincent had once saved Anton’s life in a game of “chicken,” where Anton’s body had failed him, while Vincent’s was able to endure. Anton wishes to maintain the image of his superiority and is immensely jealous of Vincent’s successful aspiring to the heights of outer space.

Vincent attempts to deceive the security systems at Gattaca by pretending to be Jerome Morrow and presenting samples of bodily substances prepared by Jerome for various examinations. In the meantime, he studies and works diligently, and his level of performance at Gattaca is precisely what is anticipated of a man with a privileged genetic endowment. Thus, only a few people ever come to suspect that Vincent is a “borrowed ladder,” a fabricator of his genetic identity. Vincent is set to depart on a mission into space, after which his individual merits will overrule his genome conclusively, and he will no longer be subject to genetic security tests. However, the murder of the mission director subjects Gattaca to a series of extremely intrusive investigations by police that threaten to uncover Vincent’s true identity and even arrest him for murder, even though Vincent is innocent of the crime.

Vincent’s tenacity and resolve to enter space ultimately allow him to successfully endure turbulent times. Despite a multitude of close calls, he is saved from universal detection, though he is recognized by Irene, whose personal admiration for Vincent overrides the fact that Vincent had broken the law. Anton also recognizes his brother and threatens to arrest him, still acting on his childhood jealousy. However, a final game of “chicken,” in which Vincent saves Anton once again, proves that Vincent’s defiance of the inferior expectations imposed upon him by his society has enabled him to exceed in his abilities individuals like Anton, whom societal expectations had favored. The doctor at Gattaca recognized Vincent’s individual merits and decided to fabricate a “valid” test for him on the day of the launch. To people like the doctor, Vincent has proved his worth and his genetic composition has become irrelevant.

Vincent’s course of action, though in violation of the law, was not in violation of moral principles. Vincent had harmed no one by his attempt to pursue his ambitions at Gattaca and in outer space; thus, his action exhibited the principle of nonmaleficence. His exploratory endeavors are of immense benefit to both himself and the level of knowledge available to the general society; thus, his action fulfills the principle of beneficence. His action was an exercise of his individual autonomy and right to self-determination in the face of a hierarchical culture that repressed these rights. Finally, his action attempted to allow Vincent to experience the just treatment that he deserved on the basis of his merits, and which, absent the action, would have been denied to him on the basis of his genome. Thus, the action fulfills the principle of justice.

A rational society would have resolved the ethical dilemma of the proper criterion of judging an individual by eschewing determinism altogether. Vincent should not have initially been seen solely as the product of his genes, for a man is born tabula rasa where the mind is concerned. The human genome determines only the structural mechanisms that exist in the individual organism. How the individual employs those mechanisms is a matter of pure willpower and determination. Few genes can conclusively determine an individual’s fate; a high probability of heart disease can be reduced by strenuous exercise, of the sort Vincent engaged in. A low “intelligence quotient” is no obstacle to an individual reading, comprehending, and applying immense volumes of material, so long as the interest to do so is clearly seen.

Vincent should have been admitted to Gattaca on the basis of a one-on-one interview process that tested his knowledge, physical skill, and enthusiasm for space exploration, for, without these, the finest genetic endowment can still produce a Jerome Morrow, a man who is paralyzed not only in body (by an accident) but in mind (by lack of ambition). The theory that fits this solution is principlism. Vincent is not harming anyone by pursuing his own favorite field of exploration; thus, the action is nonmaleficent. He is amply benefiting himself and others through his skilled endeavors in the realm of space exploration; thus, the action is beneficent. He is allowed to exercise his individual autonomy and pursue his goals, regardless of societal prejudices. And, finally, he is entitled to the same freedom of action and opportunity that other members of his society (the genetically engineered individuals) possess, which passes the test for comparative justice.

4 thoughts on “ An Analysis of Ethical Issues in the Film “Gattaca” (2004) – Article by G. Stolyarov II ”

You are amazing! I am now following this blog and will be reading up when I have the time!

I watched this movie recently and it was really shocking how one’s genetic identity judged their employment into a workplace. Although the movie was complex (i.e. the dialogue in the movie), it was interesting to discuss the drastic societal prejudice confronted by Vincent in terms of his genetic defects.

love this movie <3

he did punch a police officer

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by Andrew Niccol

Gattaca study guide.

Gattaca , released in 1997, is a multi-generic film that incorporates elements of Science Fiction, Dystopic Fiction and Crime Fiction. The film was directed and written by Andrew Niccol , a screenwriter and director who made Gattaca , Simone , Lord of War , and the Academy Award winning The Truman Show . It was produced by Danny Devito, Michael Shamberg and Stacey Shir, with an overall production budget of 36 million USD. Gattaca has been nominated for 14 awards and won 6, including 'Best Film' and 'Best Original Soundtrack' in the 1997 Catalonian International Film Festival.The film was given an 82% 'fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critical consensus stating it to be "Intelligent and scientifically provocative, Gattaca is an absorbing sci-fi drama that poses important interesting ethical questions about the nature of science." Even thought it was not a box office success when it was released, it is now a cult classic that is thought to enflame the debate regarding genetic engineering." Gattaca has been praised for its innovative film techniques such as the use of flashbacks, shocking parallels between the major protagonists, and the innovative scientific overlay of the film.

Gattaca portrays a world set in the "not too distant future." Niccol draws upon current scientific achievements and concerns to create this imagined future world. The film is characteristic of late 20th century attitudes towards science and technology, focusing on the controversial topic of genetic engineering. The society in Gattaca is founded on the science of eugenics and is divided between the genetically superior 'valids,' who are genetically engineered to remove any defects such as chances of disease, short lifespans, and defective organs, and the inferior 'invalids' who are conceived naturally. The film also focuses on ideas of discrimination that follow on from this, as the narrator states " I belonged to a new underclass, no longer determined by social status or the color of your skin. No, we now have discrimination down to a science."

The film revolves around the narrator Vincent Freeman, an 'invalid' who was one of the last naturally conceived babies in his society. Vincent aspires to be an astronomer and work for the Gattaca Institute; however, invalids are not allowed to obtain high up positions and are relegated menial work. Vincent works as a cleaner in the Gattaca Institute, where he constantly dreams of visiting space. Vincent has a chance to fulfill this dream when he learns about Jerome Eugene Morrow , a 'valid' whose attempted suicide, as a result of coming second in the swimming world championships, has left him wheel-chair bound. As a result, Jerome, who previously worked at Gattaca, has become sequestered to his house and exiled from society. Vincent and Jerome essentially switch places. Vincent uses Jerome's genetic material such as blood and urine samples to pretend to be him, successfully passing Gattaca's rigorous genetic tests as he now appears as "Valid: Jerome Eugene Morrow." Vincent's newly found 'validity' is enough to make him excel at Gattaca. He is asked for nothing but his urine sample, the proof of his genetic superiority, for him to gain a lucrative position at Gattaca Institute.The irony is that the invalid, destined for failure, becomes triumphant while the genetically superior valid Jerome Marrow is miserable.

The film's tagline "there is no gene for the human spirit" encapsulates the main message of the film that human drive and passion is the most essential element of humanity. The film provides a positive appraisal and celebration of the human spirit.

Gattaca is told through the perspective of Vincent, who narrates events in the current time of the film. The film is also told by a series of flashbacks which Vincent narrates. These effectively illustrate how, as a child, he was discriminated against due to his genetic inferiority. This causes the viewer to critique the society of Gattaca .

The film deals with crucial themes of humanity, science, discrimination, love and determination in a dystopic futuristic setting. It is a unique and innovative film which pushes the boundaries of science fiction to new limits.

Gattaca Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Gattaca is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What is genoism?

The term genoism was coined by Andrew Niccol, director and writer of the 1997 film Gattaca, in which it was used to describe unethical and illegal genetic discrimination.

There is the love afair scene between Irene and Jerome. I won't describe that! There is the final scene when Jerome gives us the narrative about how he feels in his rocket.

The complete sequence of every individual’s genome should be made available to the public.

If this question requires you to state your opinion, there is no right or wrong answer.

Study Guide for Gattaca

Gattaca study guide contains a biography of director Andrew Niccol, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Gattaca
• Gattaca Summary
• Character List
• Director's Influence

Essays for Gattaca

Gattaca essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Gattaca by director Andrew Niccol.

• What warnings about the future does Niccol intend his audience to gain after viewing his movie?
• Comparitive Analysis of Power and Control in Equus and Gattaca
• Auteur Theory of Andrew Niccol: Analyzing Gattaca and In Time
• The Effect of Context on Characters' Perseverance and Determination: Comparing 'Ender's Game' and 'Gattaca'
• Challenging the Idea of Humanity

Wikipedia Entries for Gattaca

• Introduction
• Music and soundtrack

• Entertainment

Gattaca Movie Analysis

The film I am going to be discussing is Gattaca in 1977 American dystopian science fiction film, written and directed by Andrew Niccol. Cultural anxiety has been extrapolated to make predictions to keep the story entertaining while still providing insights into human decision-making and its consequences. This will outline how genes can determine the ‘possible future’ and control life, DNA discovery, cultural anxiety, and Eugenics. 

During the movie, cultural anxiety is used to describe what was happening and how people felt at that time. The Cultural Anxiety revolves around Vincent Freeman, who is not a part of the eugenics program, and must overcome genetic discrimination to realize his dream of going into space. The characters struggle with society and themselves in an ongoing quest to find their place in the world and to become who they are destined to be based on their genes. This movie focuses primarily on the implications of developing reproductive technologies to facilitate eugenics and the potential consequences of these developments. In the film, a vision of a future driven by eugenics is presented, in which children will be conceived by genetic selection, so they can inherit the best traits of their parents' lines. In the movie, Vincent works as an in-valid, cleaning an office, including those of spaceflight conglomerate Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. Through the donation of hair, skin, blood, and urine samples from Jerome Eugene Morrow, who was paralysed when he was hit by a car as a young swimmer, he can pose as a valid candidate. Vincent gains employment at Gattaca as a navigator for an upcoming mission to Saturn's moon Titan with the help of Jerome's genetics. Vincent must meticulously groom and scrub himself down daily to remove his genetic material, pass daily DNA scanning and urine tests using Jerome's samples, and hide his heart defect to conceal his identity.

In Gattaca, the possible future is created to show what society was going to be like and how science will control everything. Eugenics is common in the ‘possible future’ Historically, eugenics has been used to improve the human population's genetic quality by the exclusion of those believed to be inferior and promotion of those considered superior. A genetic registry database that uses biometrics to classify those who are created as ‘valids’, while those who are conceived naturally are classified as ‘invalids. The society is filled with discrimination. Gattaca reveals how individuals are discriminated against based on their genetic codes. Those born of natural means are considered second-class citizens by most of the society, whereas those genetically engineered, are the elite. As an example, ‘invalids’ are limited in their ability to choose their occupation, as they are only allowed to do menial tasks, regardless of their academic abilities. This is illustrated by the ironic quotation, “the best test score wasn’t going to matter unless I had the blood test to go with it.” This shows that society is not a meritocracy, since an individual's self-worth is determined entirely by genetics. At that time, people were more worried about their genetics and whether they would be criticized because of it. Gattaca uses three basic colours to show different shifts in the character's identity. Yellow represents the past, blue represents the future and green represents the transition between the two. It is through this kind of subconscious communication that we can decipher on a subconscious level how a restrictive, classist society can manipulate and harm an individual. The tone and mood of the film at the beginning are clinical, harsh, and didactic to emphasize the lack of humanity due to the emphasis on genetic engineering. The film ends in an extremely optimistic manner since Vincent triumphs against all odds. There is foreshadowing in the flashback to the swimming scene where Vincent beat his genetically superior brother Anton. As well as foreshadowing Vincent's victory at the end of the movie also points to the triumph of the human spirit against all odds. Scientific allusions are also prominent in the film. DNA's genetic code is composed of the letters G, A, T, and C, forming the name 'Gattaca'. Throughout the film, there are also numerous scientific images, for example, Jerome's staircase that resembles the double-helix model of DNA. 

In the opening scene use of film language that shows genes are used to determine things in the possible future. Despite maintaining an air of ambiguity, Gattaca's first scene immediately conveys a sense of success and ambition. In the opening scene, we see a pan of the interior of the Gattaca Institute. This rigid and structured society can be seen in the crisp white walls, artificial lighting, and minimalistic decorations, and no room for any imperfection. An establishing shot shows hundreds of workers ascending on an escalator dressed in suits. In terms of clothing and low-angle shots, it is evident that the rising figures belong to society's elite. An unnamed man becomes the protagonist of the film when the camera zooms in on him from among these figures. The very first time he appears in the film is as he reaches the top of the escalator, foreshadowing his remarkable success throughout the film. As you can see, he has slicked-back hair and is wearing a suit and a tie, and his appearance is very professional. By pricking his finger on the device, he activates a green light, signalling his genetic code. As he leaves, he maintains his calm demeanour and steps confidently. It is evident that there is no warmth in the institute, as repetitive loud footsteps demonstrate the monotony and lack of individuality. The man sitting at his desk, Jerome, used a small vacuum to remove debris from his computer keyboard as he sat at his desk. He is doing this to erase any traces of his DNA, but we don't learn this until much later in the film. An extreme close-up shows him opening a jar and sprinkling its contents, including skin, hair, and nails, around his workstation. The film's key motif is the obsession with genetic material that is embodied by skin, hair, and nails. The short film “Sight” by Eran May-Raz and Daniel Lazo, produced in 2012, shows that the main issue of the cost of having augmented reality and lack of privacy that is associated with the ‘possible’ future and the advancements in technology.

In Gattaca, the possible future is suppressed by the human spirit, with no allowance for dreams. Scientists and technologists should evaluate the possible advantages and disadvantages of potential advances, such as genetic engineering, as science and technology progress. Genetic engineering has the obvious advantage of eliminating genetic diseases. In this movie, we learn that progress does not come free. Firstly, it separates valid from invalid classes. Vincent is facing a major problem because of his inferior status, which will prevent him from fulfilling his dream of becoming an astronaut. Vincent would not be accepted by the space program because of his genetic deformities, although he proves to be capable of performing the duties of an astronaut despite being genetically inferior throughout the film. The genetic makeup of a human being is the basis of these social classes. Vincent represents that free human spirit that drives each of us to achieve these goals. This film explores the concepts of identity, discrimination, courage, the burden of perfection, sacrifice, overcoming obstacles, sibling rivalry, society, and control, fate as well as the question of whether the human spirit, as well as human nature, can be molded by DNA.

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Review by Brian Eggert August 24, 2023

In Andrew Niccol’s feature debut, Gattaca , the writer-director crafts a paranoid, discriminatory world out of ripped-from-the-headlines science. Adopting a noirish mood amid an austere dystopian backdrop, it’s the sort of Orwellian vision that could only exist in a movie. Every detail—including the sleek production values, retrofuturist designs, and character constructions—explores the dangers of eugenics. Indeed, Niccol’s film involves a world so obsessed with genetic perfection and eliminating any unwanted hereditary flaws in a lab that its society has been completely reshaped around this premise. Released in 1997, the film tapped into society’s fear of genetic tampering that followed the launch of the Human Genome Project in 1990, rampant discussion of cloning throughout the decade, and prescient fear of gene editing long before the recent births of CRISPR babies. But Gattaca operates better on world-building and conceptual levels than on narrative terms. While initially thought-provoking, it’s the sort of setup that prompts the viewer to nitpick afterward. The film raises questions without convincing answers, and ultimately, it proves only superficially interested in its characters and is compelled instead by intriguing concepts. 

The New Zealand-born Niccol spent a decade directing commercials before making his feature debut with Gattaca , launching a trend in his work of exploring science-fiction scenarios as vast social problems that penetrate every facet of his on-screen dystopias. For instance, his 2011 feature In Time stars Amanda Seyfried and Justin Timberlake in a capitalist society where the currency is time, and mortality depends on a countdown clock with a financial component—the more currency you have, the more longevity you can buy. The heroes attempt to crash the system controlling so many lives, and, while navigating countless time-related puns, they confront those who remain in power because of their longer expiration dates. Anon (2018), another Niccol film starring Seyfried, takes place in a future dominated by constant surveillance from government-mandated recording devices implanted into the eyes of every living person. Seyfried’s character finds a way to block herself from being recorded, recognizing that power lies in denying access. In each case, Niccol creates a high-concept world where the extreme integration of technology reshapes social hierarchies—a setup reminiscent of many 1970s sci-fi movies, such as Soylent Green (1973) and Logan’s Run (1976), and episodes of Black Mirror . However, he rarely explores his premises in satisfying emotional ways. 

As a result, it’s easy to get caught up in the neat world Niccol has constructed. Set in the “not-too-distant future,” Niccol’s social dynamic in Gattaca is the most well-realized of his concepts. A new family planning measure allows parents to subject unborn children to genetic screenings, adhering to a society obsessed with eliminating genetic imperfections and socially undesirable traits. Not only does the screening process remove unwanted conditions, such as heart disease or depression, but it creates an almost superhuman population of bioengineered people who also happen to look like cover models and behave like robots. Thus, the film’s society has been segmented into two distinct groups. Valids, whose genes have been screened by geneticists for perceived flaws and defects before birth. Invalids, however, have not been screened and may have a higher risk of genetic weaknesses or medical conditions. Valids receive the best jobs and higher pay, whereas Invalids occupy the lowest rungs on the social ladder. The ideals of this society extend from scientists to corporate hiring—even social interactions. One scene in the film depicts a woman vetting a potential suitor by checking his genetic makeup, taken from the residue of a recent kiss, at a convenient kiosk. 

To carry out the required deception, Vincent works with an underground agent named German (Tony Shalhoub)—a name that evokes thoughts of Nazism and its fixation on eugenic and racial purity. Hungarian scholar Anna Petneházi points out the film’s “direct references to the dark heritage of eugenics programs which made racial hygiene and the ‘treatment’ of genetic impurity a pivotal element of (bio)political practices.” Whereas natural evolution may improve genes over time without human intervention, eugenics attempts to apply a specific gene goal according to a particular human agenda. For example, Nazis shaped the body politic according to their discriminatory ideology, carrying them out with the creation of concentration camps and the Final Solution. Niccol suggests that pre-birth tampering with genes to achieve an idealized form is tantamount to discrimination according to race, furthered by Gattaca’s hope to find the “right kind” of people according to their genes. Moreover, Petneházi notes “the underlying connections between the capitalist and eugenic production of the body through its biologization and commodification.” Indeed, every trait of a Valid’s body can be engineered according to their parents’ specifications, leaving no detail to chance. Therefore, each attribute registers as a separate, commodified choice. When Vincent undergoes a urine test at Gattaca, the geneticist on staff (Xander Berkeley) casually remarks on the size of Vincent’s penis, as though he’s commenting on a customizable automobile part—it’s not so much a part of Vincent’s body as an option selected at the point of sale. 

One could go on and on about the details of Niccol’s world-building and the rules of his society, how constant genetic screenings require Vincent to scrape excess skin cells and hair from his body, or how he must conceal Jerome’s blood and urine on his person in case of a random scan. Such details amount to an elaborately conceived science-fiction premise, naturally embedded with universal and dramatically involving themes about the underclass defying an oppressive elitist system. But Gattaca remains characteristic of Niccol’s genre work in that his concepts often outweigh his interest in characters and sometimes even narrative logic. Take Vincent’s singular desire to explore space. It’s a passion that requires him to break laws and commit frauds as a “borrowed ladder”—someone who uses another’s genetic identity to move up the societal ladder. But there’s no particular reason for Vincent’s desire, other than choosing an objective that allows him to defy the discriminatory system that considers him incapable. He is singularly focused on a mission to Titan, the largest of Saturn’s moons, but his motivations remain underdeveloped by Niccol’s script. Instead, Vincent’s goal is merely a pretense for Niccol to concoct a thriller around his concept. 

A murder at Gattaca prompts an investigation overseen by two detectives, played by Loren Dean and Alan Arkin. The police presence puts Vincent on alert. They scan for loose skin cells and hairs and screen employee urine and blood for a potential Invalid presence—emphasizing their prejudice linking the so-called genetically inferior to criminal behavior. When Arkin’s detective vows to “round up the usual suspects,” he means Invalids. While these scenes create tension around Vincent’s secret and possible exposure, they also draw from genre conventions. The framework of Niccol’s narrative blends science fiction with the tonality of film noir, apparent in Gattaca’s red herrings, reserved emotions, serious mood, and Vincent’s predominant narration, most of which supplies a continuous stream of expositional information. Niccol’s noir influences inform the film’s look as well. Costume designer Colleen Atwood dressed the detectives in long coats reminiscent of noir characters, while Gattaca employees wear almost identical suits, underlining their sameness. Atwood’s throwback designs and clean lines accompany the sharp clarity of Jan Roelfs’ production design, which has the hygienic look of a utopia, albeit with futuristic electric cars that borrow 1960s designs. 

Other details about Niccol’s conception feel less considered and representative of the writer-director not fleshing-out his ideas. Why, for instance, do automobiles use green headlights? Why do Gattaca’s astronauts wear three-piece suits into space? Why is a concert pianist born with six fingers on each hand venerated for his aberration in this world obsessed with genetic purities? Or has he been engineered to have extra digits, opening the door for other genetic liberties with the human form? Niccol includes a few details such as these that seem random in the broader set of rules governing the screen story. Elsewhere, he creates moments that seem out of character for Vincent. For example, when Irene discovers his symbiotic relationship with Jerome, Vincent confronts her in a manner that proves disturbing: “How are you, Jerome?” Jerome asks Vincent. “Not bad, Jerome,” responds Vincent, in a moment that feels designed to unnerve Irene. Most of these inconsistencies and oddities go overlooked in place of the slick visual treatment by Polish cinematographer Sławomir Idziak, a regular collaborator with Krzysztof Kieślowski. Idziak’s amber-hued, almost orange-tinged color timing bears a distinct look that gives Gattaca its futuristic character. 

Regardless of the occasional plot hole or simplistic character motivation, most critics praised Gattaca for its intelligence and thought-provoking setup. Typical of the critical response, Roger Ebert called it a “thriller with ideas,” and Janet Maslin described it as a “fully imagined work of cautionary futuristic fiction”—though few remarked about its powerful emotions or three-dimensional characters. While the production earned back just over a third of its $36 million budget at the box office, Niccol’s film became popular on the home video market. It also inspired imitators, including 2015’s Equals and Niccol’s subsequent work. Gattaca remains formative for introducing viewers to the concept of genoism with a distinct, precise visual style, whereas its message about defying the expectations thrust upon you—that people can be more than their résumé or genes suggest—proves lasting, if simplistic. Ultimately, the film’s intentional emotional detachment and minimally explored psychology leave the proceedings at a remove and best left to intellectual consideration. The film poses a series of “What if?” questions that Niccol explores with his usual focus on premise over people, albeit captured by an attractive cast, stark visuals, and not altogether satisfying dramaturgy.

(Note:  This review was originally suggested and posted to Patreon on January 24, 2023. Thank you for your continued support and patronage, Dustin! )

Bibliography:

Hughes, Rowland. “The Ends of the Earth: Nature, Narrative, and Identity in Dystopian Film.” Critical Survey , vol. 25, no. 2, 2013, pp. 22–39. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/42751032. Accessed 10 January 2023.

Kirby, David A. “The New Eugenics in Cinema: Genetic Determinism and Gene Therapy in ‘GATTACA.’” Science Fiction Studies , vol. 27, no. 2, 2000, pp. 193–215. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/4240876. Accessed 10 January 2023.

Petneházi, Anna. “‘Who Can Straighten What He Hath Made Crooked?’: Eugenics and the Camp in Gattaca and The Island .” Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies (HJEAS) , vol. 22, no. 2, 2016, pp. 351–70. JSTOR , https://www.jstor.org/stable/26894828. Accessed 10 January 2023.

Rabkin, Eric S. “Science Fiction and the Future of Criticism.” PMLA , vol. 119, no. 3, 2004, pp. 457–73. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/25486061. Accessed 10 January 2023.

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Gattaca Movie Analysis Essay

The birth scene has a gloomy tone and color scheme, suggesting that this method of living is something humans should avoid. Since this film is a futuristic film about the use of the findings from the Human Genome Project, this film is warning us about the possible misuse of the new genetic information. Geneticists are an important job in the film because after one second, the blood is being tested and geneticists can determine your life and future. This determines how long your life will be and what diseases you may face, but not how happy or what you will face in life.

It is different from a fortune teller. A fortune teller tells the outside danger that you may face, however, this warns you about the danger from within our bodies. Similarly, fortune tellers are believed to tell you about your love life and happiness, while genes cannot. The results from the blood test and gene readings are presented as a percentage value. This shows that there are still uncertainties even with genetics, which are the “genes” that tells us who we are. Therefore, we can assume that even from what is directly built into us, we can still change and nothing is certain.

As well as, there can be more than one factor or gene that determines the diseases so these values are presented as a percentage of chance. After all, your life is how you live it. After the birth scene, we see that the parents are being over protective with Vincent and that the father isn’t proud to name Vincent with his name, “Antoine. “I believe that parents should love their child no matter what because they are still your child. If the parents are being biased with their children because of their genetic traits, it is being unfair to the children.

The reason is the children are born this way and they cannot choose what they are born with so they should still be loved. This shows the audience that genetic information can bring a lot of change to the human lives, so we should use it in the ethical and fair way. Vincent’s life is being ruined due to his genetic traits which is unfair for him. It is also about parenting, whether you get a good child or not. When people know too much, especially about the future, they become too aware and anxious which is a negative factor.

Further on in the clip, we see the parents choosing characteristics of their children or genetically designing their children. The geneticists mentioned that he is trying to give the parents the”best possible start” and that the child will be the “best of you. ” I think people are misunderstanding that the child is the best of you, but not the best human being, because we are not perfect. Imperfection is what makes human unique. This shows that the genetic traits are the potential guides or the “start” of life, but people can still change due to their living environment.

Sometimes I think gaining too much control of things makes it too complicated and it is better to leave it to nature and chance, just like how the parents in the film wanted some traits to be “natural. ” Questions about the Film: I wonder what will humans value more, life expectancy or the quality of life (the experiences we actually have)? Is it better to live a long and sad life or a short and happy life? “ten fingers, ten toes, thats all it matter. Not now. ” This quote makes me think that genetic testing at birth would change life forever, because now people would expect more.

The amazing thing about giving birth is to give life to a healthy child and that he/she is born is the best thing. However, now parents would want more than just a child, they want a future or they would create a future they want. I wonder if it is possible for traits to be obsolete, like fashion? What if in a year everyone likes Brown hair and your child is born brown hair, but then when the child is an adult, the public no longer likes brown hair. Although, some people may argue that the parent’s perspective are all that matters.

I feel like the child is becoming too much like a product for the parents to design. Does the parent fully own a life? and if yes, for how long? It is true that no matter what, the traits are what the parents give, but is designing and choosing it too much? Will genetically designing children decrease the variations in the human race ? species that used to survive evolution had variations (survived diseases), can this bring any danger to the human race? Who will be responsible if the geneticists made a mistake in identifying diseases or if the child doesn’t come out like what they “designed”?

Isn’t it too risky to play with someone’s life? Nothing would be able to replace someone’s future and life, so what would the punishment be if a geneticist makes a mistake? Controversial Issues Raised by the Film: The controversial issues raised by this film is related to whether it ethical to genetically design your children. The film raises issues about the future of the children and how they will be affected by the decisions made by the parents. The children’s life will also be determined by their genetic traits.

This raises an issue about the fairness of this because parents might treat their children differently, if they know their future. Is this the right parenting style ? The clip also explores the possible issues related to using the genetic information to determine the future. This raises the controversy about the rights of the children because if parents and geneticists can predetermine their life, who is controlling the life of those children? I think the main controversy this clip raises is, is it too much to play god ? Would the human race be ready to handle such powerful tool and information?

What role(s) does the film play in the controversies it raises? Since Gattaca is a futuristic film, it warns the public about the future of the implications of genetic information or the age after the discovery of the Human Genome Project . This tells the public about what can happen if we take these research future and use it on the human race and life . Most people may only be exposed to the genetic research being used to cure diseases and not in the realm of designing humans or telling the future. This gives the public more knowledge about what genetics can do.

One of the main implications of genetic research and its controversy is about using it to tell the future of individuals by looking at the genetic traits and see what their potentials are. Another area is using the genetic information to design babies . This clip shows one possibility of what the outcome of this genetic research can be. It shows the viewers, what our society will be like if we bring genetic research further, rather than just curing diseases because the Human Genome Project brings so many possibilities that the public may not be aware of.

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GATTACA film analysis on the final scene Essay Example

• Pages: 2 (538 words)
• Published: October 9, 2017
• Type: Analysis

The concluding scene of GATTACA had an unexpected turn that triggered assorted emotions of confusion. sorrow and felicity. The sarcasm of Vincent eventually carry throughing his life’s mission and Jerome no longer holding one was bosom wrenching. after all that they went through together to withstand the odds and outlooks of flawlessness set by Society. However. it was Jerome’s pick to stop his life holding eventually come to peace with his inner convulsions which was apparent when he was foremost introduced in the movie. He was crippled in a wheelchair and smoke. besides an alcoholic. sarcastic and pessimistic individual with a score against Society despite his perfect cistrons. He showed the most important character discharge. holding found a ground to maintain traveling. through the dream of Vincent who inspired him. “_I got the better portion of the

trade. I merely lent you my organic structure. You lent me your dream. ”_ He tells Vincent this before he leaves. demoing the strong and unbreakable bond between these two.

The manner that Niccol skillfully put together the concluding scene with inter-cutting between Vincent and Jerome from the projectile to the incinerator. besides absolutely links with the gap scene. However in the gap scene Vincent is the 1 in the incinerator. with the same set uping shooting of the incinerator combustion in both scenes. The concluding scene inter-cuts between Vincent acquiring ready to go forth Earth and the same with Jerome merely ne'er to come back. The same background as the gap scene. Jerome enters the Incinerator where close-ups are focused on his custodies. and facial look hidden behind shadows and emphasised through dark-lighting. while Vincent enters the projectile

There is close-ups and panning inside the projectile of other absolutely genetically conceived worlds of different race are shown. in traveling shadows and dark lighting.

The scenes between Vincent and Jerome are absolutely in sync from the shutting of the infinite door to the shutting of the incinerator door whilst the dramatic and sorrowful music continues to play accompanied by the diegetic sound of the projectiles blaring which cuts to a close-up of Jerome’s decoration in the thick of the fire. All these elements create a cumulative consequence of underscoring on familial use transporting on from the gap scene to the concluding. every bit good as familial favoritism. This scene goes on to turn out that familial use is non every bit perfect as it is conceived in the movie because it does non include individualism or desire merely what your cistrons have to offer.

Besides. in the beginning of the movie Vincent tells us how favoritism is no longer based on coloring material. faith. ethnicity or money but that it was _”down to a science” . _ This is the lone portion of the movie that shows different ethnicities every bit good as another female whereas throughout the movie it was largely dominated by white work forces in uniform. This does non do much sense. although a given a benefit of a uncertainty the concluding scene could intend that anyone every bit long as they have the perfect cistron is able to wing to Titan. Vincent being the exclusion turn outing that it is far more than holding the perfect DNA.

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Home / Essay Samples / Entertainment / Gattaca / Analysis Of The Film Gattaca And Its Relation To Modern Society

Analysis Of The Film Gattaca And Its Relation To Modern Society

• Category: Entertainment
• Topic: Film Analysis , Gattaca

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