22 years after release and this is my first viewing, but surely not my last. Gattaca is an iconic classic. One of the best sci-fi movies ever made. Too many futuristic movies fall prey to quickly dated special effects, obsolete technology or such dramatic changes in the social fabric that they are almost immediately out of touch with the course of history. Gattaca still stands tall and the social commentary is as relevant today as it was 22 years ago. Those cars tho...
851 Reviews
Thoughtful Science Fiction
BB-1515 February 1999
Gattaca is in many ways the best film I have seen about prejudice. Just as people have been judged for centuries by the color of their skin, Gattaca predicts that in the future there will be a more subtle discrimination. It being a science fiction film helps make it more effective by allowing us to feel the emotions of the characters with little of our own history getting in the way. A haunting musical score goes well with the feeling of the film.
Ethan Hawke as Vincent does a fine job showing the pain of someone whose life is limited before he even tries. But just as interesting were the supposedly superior characters; Vincent's girlfriend, brother and double who suffer from the lie that genetics can perfectly predict a person's life.
The film that Gattaca most reminds me of is Blade Runner. They are both about genetic engineering gone very wrong but Gattaca takes a very different approach. The problems are more subtle in Gattaca involving our own desires for success for ourselves and through our children. Amazingly, Gattaca is a good science fiction film with a small budget, few special effects and mostly filmed in existing modern buildings.
After seeing this film for a second time I liked it even better as the plot seemed more plausible. If you would like to see a sci-fi film that is based on interesting characters and situations and not explosions or special effects, try Gattaca.
Ethan Hawke as Vincent does a fine job showing the pain of someone whose life is limited before he even tries. But just as interesting were the supposedly superior characters; Vincent's girlfriend, brother and double who suffer from the lie that genetics can perfectly predict a person's life.
The film that Gattaca most reminds me of is Blade Runner. They are both about genetic engineering gone very wrong but Gattaca takes a very different approach. The problems are more subtle in Gattaca involving our own desires for success for ourselves and through our children. Amazingly, Gattaca is a good science fiction film with a small budget, few special effects and mostly filmed in existing modern buildings.
After seeing this film for a second time I liked it even better as the plot seemed more plausible. If you would like to see a sci-fi film that is based on interesting characters and situations and not explosions or special effects, try Gattaca.
One of the best scientific movies of all time
Ahmad_pilehvar1 March 2020
It was wonderful this is very amazing movie and I do wanna watch it over and over again, you can never guess what's coming up next the story was perfect I enjoyed that. I can suggest others to watch this true piece of art. & by the way I should add the actors and actress were wonderful in their roles. I prefer to say the most amazing part of the movie was the last 5 minutes of it. but I should add, one of the most beautiful dialogs of the movie that impressed me was this one " they used to sy that a child conceived in love has a greater chance of happiness".
One of the finest movies of the decade.
johnbee-217 July 1999
Warning: Spoilers
Gattaca is a brilliant under-rated piece of cinema that the not-too-distant future will, in retrospect, see it as one of the more outstanding movies of the nineties. It is prolific, stylish, thought-provoking, and one of the few recent science fiction movies that totally foregoes special effects and does it well.
There is nothing about Gattaca that I didn't like. It is a subtle piece of art that reminds of the writing of Ray Bradbury. Technology (the core element of science fiction) is only the backdrop for the story of a man who goes against all odds, including his brother, and overcomes those odds.
Make sure you watch it more than twice. There are many subtle details that you'll miss if you don't (ie, Gattaca's doctor asks, "Have I ever told you about my son?" not even five minutes into the movie, and childhood Vincent falls down holding a toy rocket...) and it's these small details that create a tapestry of cinematic artistry.
The soundtrack is phenomenal. The sets are noir and stylistic, and (thankfully) instead of trying to present a realistic physical future Niccol instead vies for the FEELING of the future: constrained, restricted, and patterned.
Watch it before it's cool to have watched it.
There is nothing about Gattaca that I didn't like. It is a subtle piece of art that reminds of the writing of Ray Bradbury. Technology (the core element of science fiction) is only the backdrop for the story of a man who goes against all odds, including his brother, and overcomes those odds.
Make sure you watch it more than twice. There are many subtle details that you'll miss if you don't (ie, Gattaca's doctor asks, "Have I ever told you about my son?" not even five minutes into the movie, and childhood Vincent falls down holding a toy rocket...) and it's these small details that create a tapestry of cinematic artistry.
The soundtrack is phenomenal. The sets are noir and stylistic, and (thankfully) instead of trying to present a realistic physical future Niccol instead vies for the FEELING of the future: constrained, restricted, and patterned.
Watch it before it's cool to have watched it.
Uses science fiction to explore ideas, and reveal some depths of the human spirit
taishi812 July 2001
"There is no gene for the human spirit." This is the TAG line of the movie Gattaca, a film that searches deep within the heart of man. This is one of Ethan Hawke's strongest performances as a man who refuses to trust the odds, and relies on fate and sheer will to achieve his dreams. He borrows the body of a man without dreams, played by Jude Law in his best performance to date as well. Law simply captures every scene with his sly intelligence and deeply darkened soul. He has no illusions about life, or himself, and he is the perfect counterpoint to Hawke's unrelenting dreamer.
The performances only enhance, however, a wonderful script by first time writer/director Andrew Niccol. It deals with science fiction and the future in the best way, by exploring ideas. He quickly and easily presents a future not unimaginable, and truly existing in a "not-too-distant future." Genetic engineering is happening today all the time in areas outside the human species, and sometimes within. How long will it take before the gloves are taken off and science truly starts to decide the type of people humanity will become? What issues will be addressed when that time comes? Niccol addresses many of them already, mostly dealing with the discrimination that would probably take place in society. The most subtle and yet important question he asks though is whether a man is truly the sum of his genes, or could his spirit somehow carry him beyond all expectations? Such thoughts are dealt with through intelligent characters given intelligent diolague and placed with intelligent situations. It is interesting how such a thoughtful picture can be at time a real thriller to watch as well.
Gattaca is one of my favorite movies because it is not afraid to address important issues that are truly current in modern day society, and do it with great thought and heart. It wisely stresses the subtle theological questions of whether man ought to tamper with God's work, and whether the result would be a better society, or a better humanity.
The performances only enhance, however, a wonderful script by first time writer/director Andrew Niccol. It deals with science fiction and the future in the best way, by exploring ideas. He quickly and easily presents a future not unimaginable, and truly existing in a "not-too-distant future." Genetic engineering is happening today all the time in areas outside the human species, and sometimes within. How long will it take before the gloves are taken off and science truly starts to decide the type of people humanity will become? What issues will be addressed when that time comes? Niccol addresses many of them already, mostly dealing with the discrimination that would probably take place in society. The most subtle and yet important question he asks though is whether a man is truly the sum of his genes, or could his spirit somehow carry him beyond all expectations? Such thoughts are dealt with through intelligent characters given intelligent diolague and placed with intelligent situations. It is interesting how such a thoughtful picture can be at time a real thriller to watch as well.
Gattaca is one of my favorite movies because it is not afraid to address important issues that are truly current in modern day society, and do it with great thought and heart. It wisely stresses the subtle theological questions of whether man ought to tamper with God's work, and whether the result would be a better society, or a better humanity.
Absolutely Beautiful
sunnysani_888 December 2004
Pity I didn't know anything about this movie when it came out in 97, I would've enjoyed watching it in the big screen instead of on my laptop screen. I've never been more inspired by any movie. This is an absolutely beautiful piece of art, from the scenery, the colours, everything. Ethan Hawke is fast becoming one of my favourite actors. His performance always lift me up. I know he almost play similar roles every time, i'll like him to play a different role actually, but in every movies he starred in (Dead poet's society, Great Expectations etc) i found that i always cared for his character and his performances never failed to touch me. Jude law is amazing as Jerome Morrow, I thought Uma thurman's character should be more developed, but she's perfect as irene. 8 out of 10. There's no gene for the human spirit.
It's a bit cool and creepy, but slow and too self-conscious to really make a dent.
secondtake24 February 2010
Gattaca (1997)
An interesting concept, with terrific set design, and some headliner talent. Overall the plot dragged, and in a way, once you got the idea, it started to flatline, as if the variables of what might happen were limited. In fact, some of the outcomes were almost laughable because they were trying so hard to pull some heartstrings and wrap the thing up in a story-telling way. The parallels of the lift-off and the incineration, so calmly done, and the second swimming contest at night are both ludicrous if only because they are so heavy-handed.
Not that there aren't interesting aspects all along. It's not a boring movie, just stretched thin. It lacks atmosphere the way Solaris (2002) or 2001 (1968) have atmosphere, but it is paced in the same deliberate way (almost). Not that it intends such weighty philosophical poetry. No, Gattaca is a sort of reach for the stars movie, out to remind us that humans are the best, flaws are part of perfection, and romance only goes so far.
Ethan Hawkes is fine in this, and so is Uma Thurman, but since everyone is supposed to be a bit machine-like, we can't expect highly emotional performances, even when they are making love (not shown). Alan Arkin certainly gets the post-modern detective award, wearing a long coat and bowler inside at all times, as all detectives should, and he's clever but not quite clever enough to solve the crime. Other minor characters, including Jude Law, do their best to fill in the chinks of a very calculated effect.
In a way, this made me think of the Law/Paltrow extravaganza, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow(2004), not for any visual similarity, but just for the sense of an artificial future and an awkward love affair in the midst of it, and if neither movie is great exactly, both are really interesting and fun. But Gattaca, by comparison, is so intent on dulling the comic book aspects that are a little bit at play, in favor of the sterile future that may or may not ever happen, it chills the whole experience. We can't quite take it all serious (there will never be a number to our heartbeats before we die, nor a way to know when that number would be counted), so why not push it into something more fanciful, surreal, fun, or just futuristic. Never mind reality.
All that said, sci-fi fans should love this overall, if the idea is what counts most. DNA manipulation, and screening our progeny before birth, is presented as a weirdly normal activity, a little cold, for sure, but nothing immoral. The idea of just having sex and being in love and letting it all fly, take what the roll of the dice gives you, is presented as a model of the perfect life (which is what most of us do, of course)...until the end, when it slips a little back into boyhood dreams come true for those who persist and cheat and are really really pretty and selfish. Which not all of us are at all.
An interesting concept, with terrific set design, and some headliner talent. Overall the plot dragged, and in a way, once you got the idea, it started to flatline, as if the variables of what might happen were limited. In fact, some of the outcomes were almost laughable because they were trying so hard to pull some heartstrings and wrap the thing up in a story-telling way. The parallels of the lift-off and the incineration, so calmly done, and the second swimming contest at night are both ludicrous if only because they are so heavy-handed.
Not that there aren't interesting aspects all along. It's not a boring movie, just stretched thin. It lacks atmosphere the way Solaris (2002) or 2001 (1968) have atmosphere, but it is paced in the same deliberate way (almost). Not that it intends such weighty philosophical poetry. No, Gattaca is a sort of reach for the stars movie, out to remind us that humans are the best, flaws are part of perfection, and romance only goes so far.
Ethan Hawkes is fine in this, and so is Uma Thurman, but since everyone is supposed to be a bit machine-like, we can't expect highly emotional performances, even when they are making love (not shown). Alan Arkin certainly gets the post-modern detective award, wearing a long coat and bowler inside at all times, as all detectives should, and he's clever but not quite clever enough to solve the crime. Other minor characters, including Jude Law, do their best to fill in the chinks of a very calculated effect.
In a way, this made me think of the Law/Paltrow extravaganza, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow(2004), not for any visual similarity, but just for the sense of an artificial future and an awkward love affair in the midst of it, and if neither movie is great exactly, both are really interesting and fun. But Gattaca, by comparison, is so intent on dulling the comic book aspects that are a little bit at play, in favor of the sterile future that may or may not ever happen, it chills the whole experience. We can't quite take it all serious (there will never be a number to our heartbeats before we die, nor a way to know when that number would be counted), so why not push it into something more fanciful, surreal, fun, or just futuristic. Never mind reality.
All that said, sci-fi fans should love this overall, if the idea is what counts most. DNA manipulation, and screening our progeny before birth, is presented as a weirdly normal activity, a little cold, for sure, but nothing immoral. The idea of just having sex and being in love and letting it all fly, take what the roll of the dice gives you, is presented as a model of the perfect life (which is what most of us do, of course)...until the end, when it slips a little back into boyhood dreams come true for those who persist and cheat and are really really pretty and selfish. Which not all of us are at all.
The most underrated movie of the 90's
Andrew-1621 February 2000
This movie is incredible--yet the only ones who seemed to like it when it came out are the type whose favorite movie is "True Lies". It became critically ignored, which I can not understand at all. The themes of this movie-of superiority/inferiority, of identity, of destiny, they're all there. For those of you that haven't seen this movie, it is about a eutopian society where the highest ranks work at a space program named Gattaca. Vincent (Ethan Hawke) has wanted to work there since he was a child, but since his parents did not "pre-order" him, he was born inferior (a 99 % chance of heart failure by the age of 30, physical and mental problems, etc. ) to his "ordered" brother Antoine. Vincent has always seen something in a rival in his brother, because his brother is their dad's favorite, and he seems to have everything going for him. Vincent's job is as a janitor at Gattaca, with the hope that he will get in some day, but all the have to do is get a fingerprint of Vincent's, or a blood sample, or anything, and they know all about him, his profile, his life expectancy, etc. No one will hire Vincent because he is so liable to damage. One day, though, he hires someone to turn his identity into Eugene's, (Jude Law) an olympic-swimming, high potential winner who has everything you would need to get anywhere-except he comes back from a trip a paralyzed cripple from the waist down. So Vincent makes a deal with Eugene-Vincent gets Eugene's identity if Vincent pays the rent and gives him a companion. Everything works to plan, and Vincent borrows Eugene's fingerprints, blood samples, haircut, even urine samples. He even meets Irene (Uma Thurman) a sexy female worker at Gattaca who takes a shine to Vincent (who she thinks is Eugene). Until one day......
Gattaca is a great visual movie (it was nominated for the best art direction oscar but lost to Titanic), rides strong on very good performances by Ethan Hawke and Jude Law, and is definitely worth seeing.
Gattaca is a great visual movie (it was nominated for the best art direction oscar but lost to Titanic), rides strong on very good performances by Ethan Hawke and Jude Law, and is definitely worth seeing.
My brief review of the film
sol-13 December 2005
A fascinating futuristic tale with a dire dystopia warning, it looks oddly beautiful, with a yellow colour scheme giving a glow to everything in front of the camera. As for the film itself, it is full of interesting ideas, and at least for the first half hour or so, these are well explored. The film unfortunately becomes lost in a murder plot towards the middle, and this stops it from exploring the most fascinating parts in more detail. Even so, it manages to be relatively gripping, and there is more than just the murder plot that is not all so good about the film. Michael Nyman's music is simply beautiful, but it is overplayed, and while on the subject of excesses, the sea symbolism could have been played down a bit more. The narration is not the best, neither is Thurman's performance, yet the film always manages to sustain a nature of enticement. The sets are great to look at, and Jude Law gives off an intriguing early performance. If not perfect science fiction, this is certainly worth a look.
A mind enriching movie
Veritas6 March 1999
I first heard of this movie while in Europe where it was called `Welcome to Gattaca'. I was unable to view it at the movies there so rented it when I came to the US. I was very impressed with this movie and I might say that I was even surprised for the better. I was expecting it to be good, but it was even better than I thought.
I enjoy movies that require you to think or that have deeper meanings for those who look for them, and this movie was full of such hidden treasures. The script is very multileveled and will not disappoint anyone unless they are looking for Hollywood style sex and violence scenes.
Another great quality of this movie behind its thought provoking script is that it is very timeless. It could have been written for a century ago or for a couple centuries from now and it would still fit in with minor technological changes.
This film was really an excellent film whether you look at the cast, which was very well composed, or the cinematography, which was breathtaking. When the movie is finished the script leaves you thinking and your mind races on different tangents for a long while after the movie is over. There is no void or `why did I waste 2 hours sitting in front of a plastic box' at the end. If you like to think and like good acting do rent this movie, it will be well worth your time.
I enjoy movies that require you to think or that have deeper meanings for those who look for them, and this movie was full of such hidden treasures. The script is very multileveled and will not disappoint anyone unless they are looking for Hollywood style sex and violence scenes.
Another great quality of this movie behind its thought provoking script is that it is very timeless. It could have been written for a century ago or for a couple centuries from now and it would still fit in with minor technological changes.
This film was really an excellent film whether you look at the cast, which was very well composed, or the cinematography, which was breathtaking. When the movie is finished the script leaves you thinking and your mind races on different tangents for a long while after the movie is over. There is no void or `why did I waste 2 hours sitting in front of a plastic box' at the end. If you like to think and like good acting do rent this movie, it will be well worth your time.
Under-rated, thought pervoking film
mbanwait12 October 2002
It is unfortunate that Gattaca did not do so well at the box office back in 1997. But is has become sort of a cult film as people begin to rediscover it on video and DVD. I think it may have something to do with the recent innovations in genetic engineering and the success of the three main leads.
The first half of the film is quite intense and suspenseful as well as provides a canvas for many ideas on the theme of identity, class society and elitism, fate and destiny and control. Ethan Hawke does a great job as the fraudulent Vincent, and Jude Law is entertaing as the borrowed ladder.
Watch this film when you really feel like thinking after the movie, as the movie has little action.
I think this flick will become a sci fi classic in the years to come and dumb overblown sci fi wannabes such as armageddon and mission to mars will have been forgotten.
The first half of the film is quite intense and suspenseful as well as provides a canvas for many ideas on the theme of identity, class society and elitism, fate and destiny and control. Ethan Hawke does a great job as the fraudulent Vincent, and Jude Law is entertaing as the borrowed ladder.
Watch this film when you really feel like thinking after the movie, as the movie has little action.
I think this flick will become a sci fi classic in the years to come and dumb overblown sci fi wannabes such as armageddon and mission to mars will have been forgotten.
One of my all-time favorite films
perfectbond17 December 2004
Director Andrew Niccol's Gattaca, in my humble opinion, is at the pinnacle of the motion picture art form. All aspects of the production serve the story spectacularly. The retro-style art direction, script, acting, music, and lighting all brought to life, much too chillingly, a cold and soulless world where the content of your genes counted for everything while the content of your character counted for nothing. Watching Ethan Hawke's (Great Expectations, Hamlet) Vincent evade the relentless pursuit of the authorities while pining to be on the Titan mission, romancing Irene (Uma Thurman), and micro-managing his samples from Jerome (Jude Law in a very impressive supporting turn) made for some the most riveting viewing ever. This story highlights the negative side of pursuing the eugenic ideal, an ideal that is not an unworthy pursuit, but one that must be approached with the utmost caution since its seekers hope to master a realm once the sole domain of the Divine.
compelling premise
SnoopyStyle2 January 2015
In "the not-too-distant future", eugenics has segregated society. Valids are people born from genetic manipulation. Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) was born as what's derisively known as invalid with only a life expectancy of 30 and a second class life. His younger brother Anton is born with genetics help and exceeds him in every way. The last time he races Anton, he rescues Anton from the sea. After that, he runs away and eventually works as a janitor at Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. German (Tony Shalhoub) is a criminal dealer in genetic identities and Jerome Morrow (Jude Law) is a paralyzed valid. With Jerome's genetic samples and surgeries, Vincent starts impersonating Jerome in order to move ahead and finally travel into space. When the mission director gets killed, Vincent becomes a top suspect while he's scheduled to launch. Co-worker Irene Cassini (Uma Thurman) becomes interested in him.
The premise is terrific like a great Twilight Zone story. It's a bit slow in the first half. It needs to be tightened. The style is a throwback without much CGI or unnecessary flash. I do have a couple of questions. Do genetic enhancements make people dress the same? Also wouldn't they get the ID immediately after finding his hair? It seems like a society that keeps track of those kinds of information. The acting is solid although it's a lot of stone faced work anyways. Overall, this is a solid effort.
The premise is terrific like a great Twilight Zone story. It's a bit slow in the first half. It needs to be tightened. The style is a throwback without much CGI or unnecessary flash. I do have a couple of questions. Do genetic enhancements make people dress the same? Also wouldn't they get the ID immediately after finding his hair? It seems like a society that keeps track of those kinds of information. The acting is solid although it's a lot of stone faced work anyways. Overall, this is a solid effort.
Gattaca tries to label itself as an intellectual film but can't stand up to scrutiny
tom_oldani11 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Gattaca was not average by any means. I feel I must rate it a five though, not for being mediocre, but for being excellent in some areas and utter tripe in others. The premise of this movie is an interesting one: that genetic engineering will produce a ruling class of post-human elitists. However, this film is simply too unbelievable to effectively make any sort of point.
Vincent, played by Ethan Hawke, is a child conceived naturally during a time where that sort of conception is considered passé. Unfortunately for him, all the good jobs require a genetic screening to weed out less-than-perfect candidates, and his dream of becoming an astronaut is made extraordinarily difficult due to his bad genes. In fact, he actually has to hire Jude Law, who has really good genes, to allow him to take blood and tissue samples so he can pretend to have good genes too.
Throughout this movie there are many, many times where the plot was simply too unbelievable to allow me to enjoy this movie. First of all, the sheer number of DNA tests that people in this movie were subjected to was simply over the top. Employees of the center where Vincent worked had to have their fingers pricked constantly. For an agency that's looking to attract the best and the brightest, I can't think of a better way to drive them away. I give blood to the Red Cross every four months, and that finger prick they make everyone endure still drives me crazy. Many nurses have told me that it's the same with just about everyone. In the end, this all turns out to be rather useless for their purposes, as Vincent gets around the DNA tests and the infernal finger-pricking with latex pouches of Jude Law's blood glued onto his fingertips.
Of course that's just a detail, but nevertheless it's a detail that stood out to me. More important is the fact that Vincent doesn't show any signs of being a genetic cripple, save for his thick glasses. Judging by the list of his disorders they rattled off at the beginning, he is not, as you might suspect, a retarded obese midget, but reasonably good-looking, extremely motivated, and very intelligent. One of the points this movie seems to be trying to make is that your genes don't really affect who you are, but clearly they do.
There are some more ridiculous scenes. Vincent claims that despite the genetically determined prediction that he would die young due to coronary problems, his "heart is a thousand beats overdue." Just for kicks I figured out how long it'd take for a heart to beat one thousand times, and it's about 15 minutes. If that were all, I wouldn't be so optimistic. Then there were the spaceships, manned by a staff with impeccably gelled hair wearing suits and ties. Then there was the assumption that Jude Law's character was a failure, despite winning only a silver medal in the Olympics. Considering the sheer number of genetically perfect athletes, I'd say second place is pretty good. Then there were the showers that cleaned themselves with flamethrowers, yet had no safety features to prevent the inevitable.
I could keep listing things, like the way all the DNA tests seemed to be designed so that a determined person could barely beat them, but that would be pointless. It all serves to show that despite this film being an obvious work of science fiction, the science was usually obscured by art and marketability. That's not to say Gattaca isn't worth seeing; it certainly is. It was done very artistically, and there are many things to be appreciated here including the excellent performances by the cast.
Most people agree that there are two types of science fiction: that set in its own universe and that set in ours. Gattaca was clearly meant to be in the latter group. However, a science fiction story set in our universe must abide by the same laws as we do, which is something that this movie did not do. If this were its only fault, I would have rated this film higher, but alas, it was not.
Vincent, played by Ethan Hawke, is a child conceived naturally during a time where that sort of conception is considered passé. Unfortunately for him, all the good jobs require a genetic screening to weed out less-than-perfect candidates, and his dream of becoming an astronaut is made extraordinarily difficult due to his bad genes. In fact, he actually has to hire Jude Law, who has really good genes, to allow him to take blood and tissue samples so he can pretend to have good genes too.
Throughout this movie there are many, many times where the plot was simply too unbelievable to allow me to enjoy this movie. First of all, the sheer number of DNA tests that people in this movie were subjected to was simply over the top. Employees of the center where Vincent worked had to have their fingers pricked constantly. For an agency that's looking to attract the best and the brightest, I can't think of a better way to drive them away. I give blood to the Red Cross every four months, and that finger prick they make everyone endure still drives me crazy. Many nurses have told me that it's the same with just about everyone. In the end, this all turns out to be rather useless for their purposes, as Vincent gets around the DNA tests and the infernal finger-pricking with latex pouches of Jude Law's blood glued onto his fingertips.
Of course that's just a detail, but nevertheless it's a detail that stood out to me. More important is the fact that Vincent doesn't show any signs of being a genetic cripple, save for his thick glasses. Judging by the list of his disorders they rattled off at the beginning, he is not, as you might suspect, a retarded obese midget, but reasonably good-looking, extremely motivated, and very intelligent. One of the points this movie seems to be trying to make is that your genes don't really affect who you are, but clearly they do.
There are some more ridiculous scenes. Vincent claims that despite the genetically determined prediction that he would die young due to coronary problems, his "heart is a thousand beats overdue." Just for kicks I figured out how long it'd take for a heart to beat one thousand times, and it's about 15 minutes. If that were all, I wouldn't be so optimistic. Then there were the spaceships, manned by a staff with impeccably gelled hair wearing suits and ties. Then there was the assumption that Jude Law's character was a failure, despite winning only a silver medal in the Olympics. Considering the sheer number of genetically perfect athletes, I'd say second place is pretty good. Then there were the showers that cleaned themselves with flamethrowers, yet had no safety features to prevent the inevitable.
I could keep listing things, like the way all the DNA tests seemed to be designed so that a determined person could barely beat them, but that would be pointless. It all serves to show that despite this film being an obvious work of science fiction, the science was usually obscured by art and marketability. That's not to say Gattaca isn't worth seeing; it certainly is. It was done very artistically, and there are many things to be appreciated here including the excellent performances by the cast.
Most people agree that there are two types of science fiction: that set in its own universe and that set in ours. Gattaca was clearly meant to be in the latter group. However, a science fiction story set in our universe must abide by the same laws as we do, which is something that this movie did not do. If this were its only fault, I would have rated this film higher, but alas, it was not.
Modern Classic
yusufpiskin20 March 2020
A bittersweet fairy tale that dwells on mankind's constant striving for perfection amidst the crushing cruelty of society's prejudices.
Gattaca is the perfect specimen. From it's dreamlike frames and sleek neo noir sci fi design combined with it's exquisitely moving score by Michael Laurence Nyman, this is one movie that I have fond memories of.
The main character Vincent deals with the most primal of fears. Being the unloved child. Being rejected by a lover for not up to thier standards. And being unable to achieve his own dreams due to factors outside his control.
While we get the sense that this future dystopian world has not yet started hauling "imperfect people" into the gas chambers, you get the idea that it's only going to be a matter of time. Despite the anglo saxony 1950's American dream style decor of the future, you get the feeling that all this "eugenics" craze philosophy has left the world deeply lost and unhappy.
It feels lifeless, sterile and dead. It has lost something but doesn't know what "it" is. Even in a world of "perfect people" there are always going to be winners and losers and not everyone can be first place. It's impossible.
This point is perfectly illustrated in Jerome, a eugenics child who tried to commit suicide after winning silver. I'm in the belief that Jerome's story is not an isolated incident, especially in this world. Unable to meet the impossible standards set by the world, people are unable to love themselves or others due to thier lack of perfection. What you get is a world while though outwardly progressive is ultimately worthless. No ephemeral achievement can justify a world in which parents love one child over another due to their genetics, where two brothers must constantly struggle to assert thier worth, or a talented individual is left to live an aimless life because of some genetic flaw the world deemed irredeemable. It's insanity.
The ending definitely brought tears to my eyes. Many answers are left unanswered and the main cast will never see each other again but that only adds to the film's elegance.
Gattaca is one of the greatest films ever made because it is so raw and human. I know I can never shake away that feeling of awe I had while viewing for the first time. A deeply moving film that can never be made again.
Gattaca is the perfect specimen. From it's dreamlike frames and sleek neo noir sci fi design combined with it's exquisitely moving score by Michael Laurence Nyman, this is one movie that I have fond memories of.
The main character Vincent deals with the most primal of fears. Being the unloved child. Being rejected by a lover for not up to thier standards. And being unable to achieve his own dreams due to factors outside his control.
While we get the sense that this future dystopian world has not yet started hauling "imperfect people" into the gas chambers, you get the idea that it's only going to be a matter of time. Despite the anglo saxony 1950's American dream style decor of the future, you get the feeling that all this "eugenics" craze philosophy has left the world deeply lost and unhappy.
It feels lifeless, sterile and dead. It has lost something but doesn't know what "it" is. Even in a world of "perfect people" there are always going to be winners and losers and not everyone can be first place. It's impossible.
This point is perfectly illustrated in Jerome, a eugenics child who tried to commit suicide after winning silver. I'm in the belief that Jerome's story is not an isolated incident, especially in this world. Unable to meet the impossible standards set by the world, people are unable to love themselves or others due to thier lack of perfection. What you get is a world while though outwardly progressive is ultimately worthless. No ephemeral achievement can justify a world in which parents love one child over another due to their genetics, where two brothers must constantly struggle to assert thier worth, or a talented individual is left to live an aimless life because of some genetic flaw the world deemed irredeemable. It's insanity.
The ending definitely brought tears to my eyes. Many answers are left unanswered and the main cast will never see each other again but that only adds to the film's elegance.
Gattaca is one of the greatest films ever made because it is so raw and human. I know I can never shake away that feeling of awe I had while viewing for the first time. A deeply moving film that can never be made again.
We now have discrimination down to a science.
hitchcockthelegend13 March 2013
Gattaca is written and directed by Andrew Niccol. It stars Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal, Loren Dean, Xander Berkeley and Alan Arkin. Music is by Michael Nyman and cinematography by Slawomir Idziak.
It's the near future and eugenics dominate a society where children are either "valids" (reproductive through eugenics) or "in-valids" (naturally birthed with inherent genetic flaws). One such "in-valid" is Vincent Anton Freeman (Hawke), who plots an intricate scheme to assume a "valid" person's identification so as to reach his dreams of being an astronaut.
There is no gene for fate.
Biopunk future meets tech-noir in this thought provoking and intelligent piece of sci-fi. There is a decent argument to suggest that Gattaca is more style over character substance, especially given that visually Niccol's movie is stunning. It's a near future world of genetic engineering where although discrimination is illegal, perfection rules the day and the "in-valids" are passed over for high grade employment. Identity, inferiority and bigotry are fused together to offer up moral quandaries and ethical conundrums, all set to an oppressive tech-noir backdrop painted by Idziak's deft choice of colour filters. There's a striking difference between the look of the Gattaca corporation compared to the rest of the outside world, this helps to keep the thematics at work rich and potent.
As a thriller it barely raises the pulse, but this is deliberate, as is the pacing by Niccol. This is an emotionally stunted world and the ethereal atmosphere hovers continually over proceedings. There's a romance in the mix between Hawke and Thurman, which on the surface seems a token sub-plot and devoid of passion, but again this feels deliberate, lack of passion is actually the order of the day. Cast performances are well up to scratch, with Law stealing the film as a one time "valid" ironically invalidated by an incident. And while we could have done with more from top performers Arkin (as a copper attired like a classical film noir gumshoe) and Elias Koteas (as Vincent's father), it rounds out as an impressively constructed picture.
Provocative and brainy, with visual pleasures unbound, Gattaca has many attributes that reward still further on repeat viewings. 8/10
It's the near future and eugenics dominate a society where children are either "valids" (reproductive through eugenics) or "in-valids" (naturally birthed with inherent genetic flaws). One such "in-valid" is Vincent Anton Freeman (Hawke), who plots an intricate scheme to assume a "valid" person's identification so as to reach his dreams of being an astronaut.
There is no gene for fate.
Biopunk future meets tech-noir in this thought provoking and intelligent piece of sci-fi. There is a decent argument to suggest that Gattaca is more style over character substance, especially given that visually Niccol's movie is stunning. It's a near future world of genetic engineering where although discrimination is illegal, perfection rules the day and the "in-valids" are passed over for high grade employment. Identity, inferiority and bigotry are fused together to offer up moral quandaries and ethical conundrums, all set to an oppressive tech-noir backdrop painted by Idziak's deft choice of colour filters. There's a striking difference between the look of the Gattaca corporation compared to the rest of the outside world, this helps to keep the thematics at work rich and potent.
As a thriller it barely raises the pulse, but this is deliberate, as is the pacing by Niccol. This is an emotionally stunted world and the ethereal atmosphere hovers continually over proceedings. There's a romance in the mix between Hawke and Thurman, which on the surface seems a token sub-plot and devoid of passion, but again this feels deliberate, lack of passion is actually the order of the day. Cast performances are well up to scratch, with Law stealing the film as a one time "valid" ironically invalidated by an incident. And while we could have done with more from top performers Arkin (as a copper attired like a classical film noir gumshoe) and Elias Koteas (as Vincent's father), it rounds out as an impressively constructed picture.
Provocative and brainy, with visual pleasures unbound, Gattaca has many attributes that reward still further on repeat viewings. 8/10
It's the little things that tell you you've found quality!
john in missouri12 October 2004
I rented this film cold at the video store -- and was very pleasantly surprised with a very well done movie. If you don't know anything else about Gattaca, the less you know, the better. Stop reading this review right now, go watch it, and come back when you're done!
It was after my first viewing of the film that several little details dawned on me:
1) The term "borrowed ladder" is a utterly-brilliantly-conceived bit of future slang that carries a *double meaning*. I'm still amazed that the producers didn't make more of this. Instead, they were content to leave this gem to be discovered by the thinking and missed by the vast masses. I was very definitely impressed.
2) As I was explaining the film to my wife, it occurred to me in mid-explanation that this is really a film that has to do with what is properly called =eugenics=; one of the things the Nazis were about. Then my mind wandered to word etymologies: I recalled that the name "Eugene" = "well born." And then I realized...
!!!
3) It's interesting the extent to which so many of the characters in the film *didn't* live up to their genetic destiny, one way or another.
4) Because I hadn't seen any previews, I had no immediate reference for where the name "Gattaca" had come from. And then I suddenly realized...
!!!
5) It wasn't until I watched the movie the second time that I caught the effects with the title sequence letters...
Now I had figured out by this time that there were likely to be other intriguing little details I've missed, so I was fascinated to read from another reviewer here about the boy Vincent falling with a toy rocket in his hand.
I wonder what else is in there?
All in all, this is a very well written, tightly woven movie. Seen cold, with no real prior knowledge of the film, it came off as a tremendous science-fiction SUSPENSE THRILLER. There were several scenes that just had me climbing the walls with tension. Fabulous job!
And I'm not the only one who thinks so. When my WIFE says she wants to see a SCIENCE FICTION movie for the SECOND TIME... well, I don't think THAT has EVER happened before!
It was after my first viewing of the film that several little details dawned on me:
1) The term "borrowed ladder" is a utterly-brilliantly-conceived bit of future slang that carries a *double meaning*. I'm still amazed that the producers didn't make more of this. Instead, they were content to leave this gem to be discovered by the thinking and missed by the vast masses. I was very definitely impressed.
2) As I was explaining the film to my wife, it occurred to me in mid-explanation that this is really a film that has to do with what is properly called =eugenics=; one of the things the Nazis were about. Then my mind wandered to word etymologies: I recalled that the name "Eugene" = "well born." And then I realized...
!!!
3) It's interesting the extent to which so many of the characters in the film *didn't* live up to their genetic destiny, one way or another.
4) Because I hadn't seen any previews, I had no immediate reference for where the name "Gattaca" had come from. And then I suddenly realized...
!!!
5) It wasn't until I watched the movie the second time that I caught the effects with the title sequence letters...
Now I had figured out by this time that there were likely to be other intriguing little details I've missed, so I was fascinated to read from another reviewer here about the boy Vincent falling with a toy rocket in his hand.
I wonder what else is in there?
All in all, this is a very well written, tightly woven movie. Seen cold, with no real prior knowledge of the film, it came off as a tremendous science-fiction SUSPENSE THRILLER. There were several scenes that just had me climbing the walls with tension. Fabulous job!
And I'm not the only one who thinks so. When my WIFE says she wants to see a SCIENCE FICTION movie for the SECOND TIME... well, I don't think THAT has EVER happened before!
Visually stunning and thought provoking sci-fi.
korch-34 September 1999
Gattaca is a disturbing vision of what the future may provide. Gattaca takes the concept of George Orwell's 1984 and pushes it even further. Not only is big brother watching, but they are genetically engineering babies, and taking blood and urine samples on a daily basis to segregate the "strong" from the "weak". Hitler would have been proud of what "this" America has become.
Gattaca is a visually stunning film. It has a very sterile and sleek look which matches the mechanical future it is trying to present. At times the film itself appears neither black or white, nor in color. It is a hybrid of the two that is very artistic and modern.
Overall, Gattaca is a very good film, that could have been great. At times this film dragged out and left me wanting a little more action. Besides the occasional lull, I still felt strong enough about Gattaca to give it a 7 out of 10 stars.
Charlie Korch
Gattaca is a visually stunning film. It has a very sterile and sleek look which matches the mechanical future it is trying to present. At times the film itself appears neither black or white, nor in color. It is a hybrid of the two that is very artistic and modern.
Overall, Gattaca is a very good film, that could have been great. At times this film dragged out and left me wanting a little more action. Besides the occasional lull, I still felt strong enough about Gattaca to give it a 7 out of 10 stars.
Charlie Korch
Simply one of the most beautiful movies ever conceived!!!
froster61 December 2004
I will keep this short. This is most certainly one of the best films of all time. Script is wonderful, cinematography brilliant, Actors perform to a T, and the underlying message is one that all mankind should take to heart, for this great movie about human perseverance and will, and how real a situation in the world like this could be. 10 out of 10 bottom line. If you don't see this movie you will be committing a crime against yourself. Also the relationship between Vincent and Gerome and his brother is brought together perfectly and well developed. For that matter all of the characters in this film bring a little something different to the table that you will see very rarely in any film.
Thoughtful Sci-Fi Drama
michaelarmer16 January 2020
It is listed as a thriller, but it is not much of that, more a drama, but a very good one, a very intelligent and future possible Sci-fi movie.
Ethan Hawke is great in the lead, with Jude law backing up, I would have thought it might have been better to do it the other way around, but it still works, Uma Thurman provides the thinking man's bit of crumpet, and acts very well. Alan Arkin is good but underused and Ernest Borgnine, the best actor in the film, just has a couple of small scenes, totally wasted.
It moves rather slowly, so could be deemed a bit boring, but it kept me interested so it can't have been boring to me, the side issue of the murder adds a lot of intrigue, and there are a few slight surprises at the end, it ends well.
I gave it a 7, if Jude Law was the lead and Alan Arkin and Ernest Borgnine used more it probably would have been better, and I would have given a higher rating, nevertheless it is a good film, and very interesting.
Ethan Hawke is great in the lead, with Jude law backing up, I would have thought it might have been better to do it the other way around, but it still works, Uma Thurman provides the thinking man's bit of crumpet, and acts very well. Alan Arkin is good but underused and Ernest Borgnine, the best actor in the film, just has a couple of small scenes, totally wasted.
It moves rather slowly, so could be deemed a bit boring, but it kept me interested so it can't have been boring to me, the side issue of the murder adds a lot of intrigue, and there are a few slight surprises at the end, it ends well.
I gave it a 7, if Jude Law was the lead and Alan Arkin and Ernest Borgnine used more it probably would have been better, and I would have given a higher rating, nevertheless it is a good film, and very interesting.
Should be in the top 250.
TheDentist20 November 2007
This is so great on so many levels. The acting was perfect. The plot was so unbelievably awesome. The direction was great (im surprised Andrew Niccol hasn't done more films) The film on the whole was excellent. It is definitely up there with my favourites. All i can say is that you must watch this film. My friend told me to watch it, i wasn't really bothered but when i did i was pleasantly surprised.
I am honestly shocked that i had never heard of this film before my friend told me about it, i thought it would of had as much publicity as one of the same genre, as minority report, but unfortunately it didn't.
A outstanding film, which is hard to believe its not in the top 250.
I am honestly shocked that i had never heard of this film before my friend told me about it, i thought it would of had as much publicity as one of the same genre, as minority report, but unfortunately it didn't.
A outstanding film, which is hard to believe its not in the top 250.
I hope the future is not like Gattaca
moivieFan25 January 2020
This movie came out a long time ago but, knew nothing about it until I watched it a few weeks ago. I hope that the world never turns out like the movie.
I thought Gattaca looked nice. It kept my attention to the end. I thought Ethan hawke's acting was good. And I hope that the future does not turn out like this movie.
I thought Gattaca looked nice. It kept my attention to the end. I thought Ethan hawke's acting was good. And I hope that the future does not turn out like this movie.
In the Genetically Engineered Future, One Man Will Make a Difference
elicopperman9 February 2019
I'll be frank here, I've never really been a fan of most science fiction films as the whole genre isn't really my personal cup of tea. That being said, if someone is to utilize any given genre with a unique story that has never been tackled before, then my curiosity will be peeked. One example that comes to mind is definitely Andrew Niccol's Gattaca, one of the most original and provocative sci-fi features ever constructed. It's funny how this film is often known to be his best film to date, mainly because it wasn't a big hit when it initially came out; in fact it was a box office flop. However, it has since gained a massive cult following, and I can say that I am definitely apart of it.
Set in the not too distant future where people are judged based on their genetic structure, the film centers around Vincent Freeman, who's lifelong dream is to travel into outer space in spite of his genetic disabilities. Regardless, he decides to obtain the proper genes of former engineer Jerome Morrow and soon joins the Gattaca space program. Over there, he falls in love with Irene Cassini while the death of an officer ends up conflicting with his plans. It's really interesting how the film tackles themes of prejudice and the underdog making it to the top by putting its emphasis on the genetically superior and inferior. One could imagine that if science had dominated the future, there would be easier methods of discovering one's genes, but that could also lead to the fate of those who aren't so lucky. At its core, Gattaca is a story about following your dreams in spite of any disabilities you may have.
When it comes to the characters, Vincent is very sympathetic but also fallible when it comes to how much he desires his dreams. He knows that it could only be a matter of time before he is exposed, yet we still relate to how much turmoil he went through just to get to where he is. In addition, Irene happens to have a serious heart condition which makes her worse off than Vincent, but that only makes their relationship more heartwarming. The better way to obtain pure happiness is to seek it through those who are not too different from you. Also, Jerome is a really good representation of those who never made it to where they wanted, which in turn creates a really dynamic contrast between his pessimism and Vincent's optimism. I won't say much about the other characters as that would spoil the fun, but they're either wonderful supporters or challenging obstacles that could either make or break Vincent.
Lastly, I think what makes this film resonate with me so much is how it comments on the general idea of a future run by perfection through genetic engineering. More often than not, people will assume that having your offspring taken care of by science and advanced medicine will be the only way to make them perfect, but if they're already well off, then there isn't anything to them outside of that. However, when one is not on the same level of health as other individuals, that could either lead to them playing it safe in their already mundane life or actually taking a risk with their limitations. If the underdog geniuses stayed where they were, we would never have the likes of Albert Einstein, Hellen Keller, Stephen Hawking, Ray Charles, Franklin D Roosevelt and Marlee Matlin among many others. Don't let scientific testing dictate your life if you believe there is more to you than society says otherwise, because then the world will know that you're trying to make a difference.
In conclusion, Gattaca could very well be one of the most thought provoking and motivational sci-fi flicks ever crafted. In addition to having a highly memorable cast of characters and creative concepts, its commentary on futuristic humankind is the glue that holds its intellect together. Even though the film does have a strong cult following, it could still use more love and affection. Therefore, I deem this a must watch for any one who's into science-fiction or social allegories. In fact, I would even say that this is a wonderful choice for anybody who is considered "imperfect" by society's standards. As someone who is developmentally flawed as myself, I can safely that even if you might not have the same conditions as Vincent Freeman, you will definitely gravitate towards other aspects worth seeing.
Set in the not too distant future where people are judged based on their genetic structure, the film centers around Vincent Freeman, who's lifelong dream is to travel into outer space in spite of his genetic disabilities. Regardless, he decides to obtain the proper genes of former engineer Jerome Morrow and soon joins the Gattaca space program. Over there, he falls in love with Irene Cassini while the death of an officer ends up conflicting with his plans. It's really interesting how the film tackles themes of prejudice and the underdog making it to the top by putting its emphasis on the genetically superior and inferior. One could imagine that if science had dominated the future, there would be easier methods of discovering one's genes, but that could also lead to the fate of those who aren't so lucky. At its core, Gattaca is a story about following your dreams in spite of any disabilities you may have.
When it comes to the characters, Vincent is very sympathetic but also fallible when it comes to how much he desires his dreams. He knows that it could only be a matter of time before he is exposed, yet we still relate to how much turmoil he went through just to get to where he is. In addition, Irene happens to have a serious heart condition which makes her worse off than Vincent, but that only makes their relationship more heartwarming. The better way to obtain pure happiness is to seek it through those who are not too different from you. Also, Jerome is a really good representation of those who never made it to where they wanted, which in turn creates a really dynamic contrast between his pessimism and Vincent's optimism. I won't say much about the other characters as that would spoil the fun, but they're either wonderful supporters or challenging obstacles that could either make or break Vincent.
Lastly, I think what makes this film resonate with me so much is how it comments on the general idea of a future run by perfection through genetic engineering. More often than not, people will assume that having your offspring taken care of by science and advanced medicine will be the only way to make them perfect, but if they're already well off, then there isn't anything to them outside of that. However, when one is not on the same level of health as other individuals, that could either lead to them playing it safe in their already mundane life or actually taking a risk with their limitations. If the underdog geniuses stayed where they were, we would never have the likes of Albert Einstein, Hellen Keller, Stephen Hawking, Ray Charles, Franklin D Roosevelt and Marlee Matlin among many others. Don't let scientific testing dictate your life if you believe there is more to you than society says otherwise, because then the world will know that you're trying to make a difference.
In conclusion, Gattaca could very well be one of the most thought provoking and motivational sci-fi flicks ever crafted. In addition to having a highly memorable cast of characters and creative concepts, its commentary on futuristic humankind is the glue that holds its intellect together. Even though the film does have a strong cult following, it could still use more love and affection. Therefore, I deem this a must watch for any one who's into science-fiction or social allegories. In fact, I would even say that this is a wonderful choice for anybody who is considered "imperfect" by society's standards. As someone who is developmentally flawed as myself, I can safely that even if you might not have the same conditions as Vincent Freeman, you will definitely gravitate towards other aspects worth seeing.
Aged Well, Thought Provoking, But Does Have Some Flaws.
icocleric7 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It's thought provoking, beautiful, and ages well. But it does have its flaws.
I thought the first half of the film was much better, as Vincent is trying over come the barriers the world has for him, and as he is trying to get his new identity, and ideas about that world are explored. My problem with the world is that it only focuses on one futuristic aspect, which is the designer babies. Which is an excellent topic to talk about, but I wish it would have covered if everyone had access to designer babies? Was that a rich/poor thing? What else happens in the future?
It also then gets too wrapped up in a murder plot, which has holes. Which I find personally much less interesting than the other points of the film. Like if you checked a bag full of cups, like they did in the film. There would be cross contamination. There was lots of little details like that.
I thought it was shot beautifully, and I love that at the core it was someone chasing an impossible dream, and beating all the odds. I thought this was another aspect much more interesting than when it was stuck on the murder plot.
It's overall still worth a watch, and it's interesting to bring up as a discussion point.
I thought the first half of the film was much better, as Vincent is trying over come the barriers the world has for him, and as he is trying to get his new identity, and ideas about that world are explored. My problem with the world is that it only focuses on one futuristic aspect, which is the designer babies. Which is an excellent topic to talk about, but I wish it would have covered if everyone had access to designer babies? Was that a rich/poor thing? What else happens in the future?
It also then gets too wrapped up in a murder plot, which has holes. Which I find personally much less interesting than the other points of the film. Like if you checked a bag full of cups, like they did in the film. There would be cross contamination. There was lots of little details like that.
I thought it was shot beautifully, and I love that at the core it was someone chasing an impossible dream, and beating all the odds. I thought this was another aspect much more interesting than when it was stuck on the murder plot.
It's overall still worth a watch, and it's interesting to bring up as a discussion point.
Stylish Sci-fi thriller whose true horror seems to be lost on most people
wadeboi18 May 2006
I was intrigued by the cult popularity of this film and the fact that so many people seem to think this is one of the best films ever made. Frankly, I struggled to sit through the whole thing and I had to fast-forward through the ponderous stair-climbing scene.
"Gattaca" is reminiscent of 60s sci-fi horror films with its sterile atmosphere and melancholy characters. It's hard to relate to people with absolutely no joy in their lives. Ironically, in watching the first act of the film a second time, I thought the central character seemed happier in his life as an "in-valid."
Our hero's quest seems a bit far-fetched for the price he has to pay and, for the audience, the outcome seems like a foregone conclusion; lacking the impact of a twist ending in comparable films like the original "Plant of the Apes" or even "Soylent Green."
The subtext of sci-fi horror elements, such as invasive background checks and medical testing by employers as well as discrimination based on genetic attributes don't seem all that horrific because, sadly, they have been widely accepted business practices for some time.
I'm amazed to see so many reviewers comment on the "revelation" that in the future employers will discriminate on genetic perfection rather than traditional prejudices such as race, sex, etc. Numerous studies have confirmed that "good looking" people have better jobs and earn more. Men who are less than 6' tall earn more than shorter men, for example. Employers are often impressed with dubious measures of intelligence like college degrees, grades or standardized test scores.
I was also struck by the obvious incongruity of a world where both physical and mental perfection are prized, yet the demands of the career seem to require neither. How much physical perfection is required to sit at a computer keyboard? The work itself is obviously a white collar clerical job with the computer doing the serious mental work. We know it's clerical work because the filmmaker shows him in a cliché clerical setting: sea of cubicles with employees working like disposable, interchangeable parts in a large machine. A future where the best and brightest have only mindless bookkeeping tasks to challenge them is the real horror in "Gattaca."
"Gattaca" is reminiscent of 60s sci-fi horror films with its sterile atmosphere and melancholy characters. It's hard to relate to people with absolutely no joy in their lives. Ironically, in watching the first act of the film a second time, I thought the central character seemed happier in his life as an "in-valid."
Our hero's quest seems a bit far-fetched for the price he has to pay and, for the audience, the outcome seems like a foregone conclusion; lacking the impact of a twist ending in comparable films like the original "Plant of the Apes" or even "Soylent Green."
The subtext of sci-fi horror elements, such as invasive background checks and medical testing by employers as well as discrimination based on genetic attributes don't seem all that horrific because, sadly, they have been widely accepted business practices for some time.
I'm amazed to see so many reviewers comment on the "revelation" that in the future employers will discriminate on genetic perfection rather than traditional prejudices such as race, sex, etc. Numerous studies have confirmed that "good looking" people have better jobs and earn more. Men who are less than 6' tall earn more than shorter men, for example. Employers are often impressed with dubious measures of intelligence like college degrees, grades or standardized test scores.
I was also struck by the obvious incongruity of a world where both physical and mental perfection are prized, yet the demands of the career seem to require neither. How much physical perfection is required to sit at a computer keyboard? The work itself is obviously a white collar clerical job with the computer doing the serious mental work. We know it's clerical work because the filmmaker shows him in a cliché clerical setting: sea of cubicles with employees working like disposable, interchangeable parts in a large machine. A future where the best and brightest have only mindless bookkeeping tasks to challenge them is the real horror in "Gattaca."
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