When an avid film buff friend of mine - whose opinion I trust -- told me she did not like this film, it took me a while to figure out why. GATTACA tackles an idea that made her very uncomfortable: that those of us who are able bodied enjoy special privileges in our society, and that perhaps, just perhaps, without even thinking, we have set up the game so that those less able bodied will find it very difficult to succeed. My friend, a great beauty, fit and given every advantage in life, did not like to face the fact that she is part of this privileged class and might in fact hold, or play part in a society that holds, such a bias.
I am surprised at how few reviewers mention this aspect of the film and I suspect that for them as well as for myself, it is simply an uncomfortable subject. But GATTACA tackles it bravely using the time tested method that science fiction does best: it puts you in the other person's shoes. When the protagonist goes through the turnstile to enter the elite academy he has worked so hard to get into, a drop of blood is drawn from his finger. An instant DNA test shows whether his genetic material is of high enough quality to enter the facility -- 'valid' -- or if he is just a mere God child like us, whose genes were left to chance and the predispositions to disease that come with it -- an 'in-valid.' Certainly, the point could not be more obvious, discomfiting though it is.
This Great Films tackles many other ideas as well: fate, the ability of the human heart to triumph over adversity, the burden to succeed placed on those given every privilege. All these ideas are wrapped within a whodunit. The screen play really is quite an accomplishment in the way it tackles these many issues within the framework of the story. The art direction is also very notable as is the location (at a Frank Lloyd Wright building). The music, too, is top notch and adds much to the film.
There are several outstanding performances in GATTACA. Jude Law, one of the finest actors working today, is at the top of his form here. Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurmin's performances are both very reserved -- it seems that genetically modified humans are all cool cats -- but when they do show a flicker of emotion it is all the more powerful for that. Ernest Borgnine is here, too, in a brief supporting role. It is always good to see him.
GATTACA is on my list of favorite films, and it has stayed on it for over ten years now. It is inspiring and full of truth. When you've watched it you may agree with me that a good rule for life is: never save anything for the swim back.
I am surprised at how few reviewers mention this aspect of the film and I suspect that for them as well as for myself, it is simply an uncomfortable subject. But GATTACA tackles it bravely using the time tested method that science fiction does best: it puts you in the other person's shoes. When the protagonist goes through the turnstile to enter the elite academy he has worked so hard to get into, a drop of blood is drawn from his finger. An instant DNA test shows whether his genetic material is of high enough quality to enter the facility -- 'valid' -- or if he is just a mere God child like us, whose genes were left to chance and the predispositions to disease that come with it -- an 'in-valid.' Certainly, the point could not be more obvious, discomfiting though it is.
This Great Films tackles many other ideas as well: fate, the ability of the human heart to triumph over adversity, the burden to succeed placed on those given every privilege. All these ideas are wrapped within a whodunit. The screen play really is quite an accomplishment in the way it tackles these many issues within the framework of the story. The art direction is also very notable as is the location (at a Frank Lloyd Wright building). The music, too, is top notch and adds much to the film.
There are several outstanding performances in GATTACA. Jude Law, one of the finest actors working today, is at the top of his form here. Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurmin's performances are both very reserved -- it seems that genetically modified humans are all cool cats -- but when they do show a flicker of emotion it is all the more powerful for that. Ernest Borgnine is here, too, in a brief supporting role. It is always good to see him.
GATTACA is on my list of favorite films, and it has stayed on it for over ten years now. It is inspiring and full of truth. When you've watched it you may agree with me that a good rule for life is: never save anything for the swim back.
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