Gene modification, also referred to as GMO, is common in today’s world. It is seen in many meats, plants, and although less common, it exists in humans as well.
The primary purpose of GMO is to improve specific traits such as nutritional value, disease resistance, or bioremediation. For humans, it is to help prevent deadly diseases rather than enhancements. But what if genetic engineering were more advanced and used to achieve desirable traits and avoid undesirable traits?
Gattaca, a 1997 Sci-Fi film directed by Andrew Niccol, displays a historical theme of social structure and individual identity throughout the film.
It starts off from Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), a non-genetically modified human born with a heart condition and limited life. Although he aspires to space travel, his path is set to become a janitor since no company would hire him as he is genetically invalid in a world where many are genetically edited. To overcome the struggle as a “normal” human, he buys the genetic samples of a laboratory-engineered valid man, Jerome Morrow (Jude Law).
Jerome was previously an incredibly talented swimmer, but a car accident paralyzed him. Vincent uses Jerome’s profile as a celestial navigator at Gattaca Aerospace corporation to gain employment. Jerome allows this purchase of identity to improve his financial and living condition.
Further into the story, we see struggles from the genetically perfect and the genetically inferior caused by societal pressure and discrimination. Other characters and events of Vincent’s love interest Irene Cassini (Uma Thurman), Vincent’s brother (Loren Dean), and the investigation of a murder case creates complex themes and plots as Vincent tries to achieve his dream of space traveling.
I would recommend Gattaca to those who favor dystopian science fiction, ethical debates, or character-driven stories. Many biology classes watch this film as well, so this film can entertain those who took biology.
Other than Gattaca, Andrew Niccol has also successfully produced The Truman Show, In Time, and Lord of War. Gattaca is created by a highly creative director with other high-concept science fiction films with social themes.
Gattaca had a production budget of $36 million but grossed a total of $12.5 million domestically and $12.5 million worldwide, resulting in a disappointing box office performance. Despite the revenue, it was later nominated for one Academy Award: Best Art Direction, along with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Score, a London Critics Circle Film Award for Screenwriter of the year, and more.
From the brief violent images, language, and some sexuality, it is rated PG-13, runs for 106 minutes, categorizes as Sci-fi / thriller, and is rated 82% on rotten tomatoes with a majority 5-star rating.
Personally, I loved how intriguing it is since it illustrates what could be a not-so-distant future.
