Written and directed by
Andrew Niccol
Starring Ethan Hawke, Uma
Thurman and Jude Law
A video presentation of this material is available here.
“Gattaca”
is an intriguing and thought-provoking film that investigates the potential
consequences for both society and the individual of genetic engineering. In the
not-too-distant future, mankind is divided between “valids” and “in-valids”, or
those who have received genetic intervention to maximise their potential, and
those whose genetic make-up is left to nature or God and are therefore more
prone to potential weaknesses, with percentage calculations of specific defects
on offer.
As
a result of this scientific intercession, society assumes the superiority of those
who have been biologically tinkered with and denies opportunities to anyone
predisposed to genetic weakness. Career pathways are decided primarily on the
basis of likely biological aptitude and ability. As presented, society is a
sterile, dull and highly ordered place devoid of character, initiative or
interest. It appears that the pursuit of perfection comes at a price.
The
parents of the aptly named Vincent Freeman favour leaving their offspring’s
make-up to nature, though they alter their approach to conception for their
second son, Anton, as Vincent is born with a variety of possible conditions
which may restrict his life expectancy and will certainly limit his life
choices in the society into which he was born. For Anton, they opt for wide-ranging,
if not complete, intervention, allowing them to take more pride in their second
son.
As
a rule, “in-valids” accept societal limitations and lead second-class lives, or
worse, but Vincent has a burning passion for space exploration and discovery so
he goes to extreme lengths to dupe screening measures in place to detect the
presence of in-valids in his workplace, Gattaca. This is the future equivalent
of NASA and its purpose is to send our most gifted and able into space to
investigate, learn and develop our knowledge and awareness. Vincent is
literally and metaphorically reaching for the stars as he refuses to recognise
limits placed on his advancement laid down by society. There is no question or
doubt as to the standard of his work – he is highly praised by a mission director
and is due to be sent to Titan in the near future, yet he would be expelled
immediately if his true nature were to be discovered.
Clearly,
this implies criticism of a purely science-based and biological evaluation of a
person’s worth and presents a somewhat mechanical view of mankind. Limitations
are set by body parts and no account is taken of spirit, determination and
courage in the face of adversity, all of which may compensate for physical
weakness or may, indeed, come about as a result of deficiencies. Nor is account
taken of the fact that parts judged to be potentially defective may function
perfectly well even if they don’t conform to set standards.
Vincent
takes on the identity of Jerome Morrow, a valid who had a promising career in
athletics but who was disabled in a road accident. Jerome seems reasonably happy
and willing to help Vincent achieve his goals by providing biological samples
that Vincent can use to fool systems established to verify identity.
Eventually, however, we learn that Jerome’s life-changing accident was actually
the result of attempted suicide. In a world where perfection and success are
prized above all else, Jerome could only achieve second place and this led to a
sense of failure, depression and finally attempted suicide, ending in a
career-crushing inability to walk. Expectations set by genetic intervention can
have, then, a devastating effect even on valids if, for whatever reason, they
fail to live up to the expectations set for them.
Vincent
and his brother Anton regularly compete in a swimming challenge. Very simply,
they swim out together as far as they can from the shore and the first to
weaken and head for home is the loser. This competition is very important in
the film because it illustrates values set by society as Anton arrogantly
expects to win but shows no sympathy or remorse when Vincent loses, simply
accepting his superiority as his due. It also informs us of Vincent’s character
as he persists in taking part, despite knowing the likely result, but refuses
to give up hope and gives his all to the task. Finally, it delivers a message
essential to the film, suggesting we are more than the sum of our parts and
spirit, determination and nature can overcome apparent obstacles.
When
Vincent eventually defeats his brother, he is gracious and caring as he saves
his brother’s life. Perhaps having to fight for success has taught him to
appreciate aspects of life, and life itself, more than his brother’s life as a
valid has allowed him to do. His success also gives him the confidence to break
away from his family, reject the limitations imposed on him by society and pursue
his dreams.
Vincent
develops a relationship with Irene at Gattaca. Although she is a valid, she is
biologically imperfect and her imperfections impose limits on her career. When
Vincent tentatively declares feelings for her, Irene is open about her defects
and considers these grounds for taking their budding relationship no further.
Although she is very able and efficient, Irene can appear vaguely despairing
and unfulfilled. Once again, genetic intervention and the expectations that
accompany it seem to have had a negative effect on the individual and these may
deny a positive influence on society by restricting application of abilities.
When
faced with Irene’s defects and her offer to terminate their burgeoning
relationship, Vincent rejects her evidence and clearly judges her not by her
biological make-up but by her whole being, much to her delight and
satisfaction.
Later
on, when Irene discovers the truth about Vincent, who respects Irene to the
extent that he cannot maintain his false identity with her, she reciprocates
his rejection of evidence of biological weakness and opts to trust her
instincts rather than give in to societal pressure.
The
murder of a project manager in Gattaca is the dramatic device used to propel
the story, though it is really only the mechanism to allow the exploration of
character and themes so essential to this film. There is little question of
Vincent being the murderer but the situation creates threat and engages the
audience as Vincent may be unmasked and his plans wrecked. However, the murder storyline
is used to say more about society and its prejudices based on genetic
engineering.
The
detectives investigating the murder are clearly held in no high regard, in good
part because an interpretation of their not quite top-notch DNA has resulted in
their being channelled into what are considered second-rate positions for which
they may have no particular liking, leading to frustration and bitterness. It
is revealed that one of the detectives is none other than Vincent’s estranged
brother Anton. By rejecting society’s strictures and by working hard and
showing initiative, Vincent has hauled himself to a position superior to that
of his supposedly more able brother, proving the system wrong.
Society
is so obsessed with the idea of genetic and social engineering, and has such
faith in science and its precepts, that the detectives assume an in-valid is
responsible for the murder of the director simply because they find an eyelash
belonging to an in-valid (Vincent) on the premises where the crime was
committed. This suggests a blinkered and prejudiced attitude and a willingness
to attach guilt by mere association rather than seeking substantive evidence.
Eventually,
they are forced to open their minds to other possibilities (and the truth) and
they discover evidence which leads to the capture of the murderer – another director
who had motive but whose genetic make-up contained no hint of violence so he
was not investigated. The implication is that humans remain unpredictable and
cannot be completely programmed or even understood, despite scientific
intervention.
Toward
the end, the doctor who has conducted many tests on Vincent unexpectedly takes
a final sample from him as he is about to board the spaceship bound for Titan,
and his true identity is revealed. The doctor makes an observation that
suggests he has known the truth for some time and goes on to falsify the data,
allowing Vincent to board the ship and fulfil his dreams. The doctor talks of
his son who did not turn out as expected and so, presumably, the doctor came to
doubt the validity of the entire basis for society and has gone on to apply
common sense and humanity. He appears to judge Vincent as a whole rather than
focus on supposed physical defects.
On
the face of it, this is a science fiction film but I would suggest it has many
elements of a philosophical film as it invites thought and reflection and it focuses
on ideas. It presents potential consequences of genetic engineering in an engaging
and absorbing way and it appears to suggest that to reduce humanity to
scientific deconstruction, and then reconstruction, is to fail to fully
understand humanity and may even restrict its progress.
This
film may not have done well at the box-office but it makes a worthy
contribution to the category of reflective films which do not rely on action or
comedy to maintain the attention of the audience. It is a beautifully crafted
and well-acted piece that deserves far more attention than it gained on
release. It seems to have gained cult status these days, and deservedly so.
My thanks for taking the
time to watch this video. I hope you found it of some value.
Stuart Fernie
I can be contacted at stuartfernie@yahoo.co.uk .
