Andrew Niccol's directorial and writing debut, Gattaca, was a great addition to the crowded sci-fi market of the 90's. Not usually a fan of sci-fi, I watched this with some reserve. However, from the opening credits I was spellbound. Niccol's assured direction of both the camera and his actors give the film a confidence that is dissimilar to the arrogance that other films (not necessarily of the genre) have. The dialogue is minimal - compared to other sci-fi films I've seen, anyway - which lets the actors do their stuff not restricted by heavy dialogue heavy handed in 'science fiction jargon'. The leads, Ethan Hawke (understated), Jude Law (dignified) and Uma Thurman (beautiful and pensive) all give great performances that are among the best of any of their respective previous work. Slavomir Idziak's cinematography is beautifully muted and adds enormous atmosphere where atmosphere is a must. A great film worthy of any praise heaped upon it.
