Gattaca (1997) is a film directed by Andrew Niccol that is based on the Science of Genetic discrimination. A world in which scientific proof becomes the complete basis for discrimination. While society holds it as a truth, genes are a primary factor that determine the success of an individual. The film revolves around the Protagonist Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), and his struggle to achieve what he has worked his entire life to get to, but is unable, due to his “In-Valid” status. He is ignored and excluded from most aspects of society.
His life is limited to the ‘second best’ option. This world is a hostile one for the In-Valids, also known as “God’s Children” (people born naturally). The main character of Gattaca is Vincent, a ‘God’s Child’ who was born naturally, and his fate was predicted to be a 99% chance of heart failure at the age of 30. Due to this physical defect he is denied entry to Gattaca Corp to go to space, along with many other disadvantages throughout his life. However on the other hand the designed (Valids) people have all of the opportunities to do whatever they so desire.
Although discrimination is illegal, people still discriminate and judge people according to their genetic makeup regardless. Furthermore, Characteristics such as personality, beliefs, values, and one’s moral code are considered irrelevant. Vincent’s first day of Kindergarten reinforces his defects. As he cannot gain insurance due to him being In-Valid, his entry was initially prevented. His exclusion from society sets a pattern throughout his life that finishes with his denial from the spaceship that could take him to Titan.
Vincent’s mother’s prediction “You’ll do something” indicates her faith in the human spirit that is vindicated by his determination to reach Space. Society focuses only on Valid, and In-Valid. During Vincent’s flashback in the beginning of the movie, scenes relate to the circumstances of his birth which focus on the discrimination that arose due to his ‘defective birth. He says, “They used to say that a child conceived in love has a far greater chance of happiness. They don’t say that anymore. ” The historical world where children were born of love is presented as anachronistic and degenerate in this society.
The initial scenes of the film radiate a feeling of controlled bodily perfection. Throughout the film extreme close-ups of body matter are a commonplace: blood, skin, hair, urine and finge ernails. We can see that in close-up the camera can magnify the miniscule, and the use of such camera shots show the importance of genetic material. This body matter is constantly used to collect genetic readouts of the characters. An example of this is when Irene (Uma Thurman) steals a piece of hair from Vincent’s comb in the hopes of finding the true genetic readout of him.
Not only is body matter a use for reading genetic makeup, it is also a use for security. This is portrayed when Vincent enters Gattaca Corp. and does a fingerprint test, which is followed by a pin-prick blood test. In contrast to Vincent, his brother, Anton Freeman (Loren Dean), is genetically ‘perfect’ and is born as a Valid. Anton is given the start in his life that Vincent lacks. He is also described as ‘a son worthy of his father’s name’. Director Niccol uses the swimming scenes (a game called Chicken) to compare the different attitudes that both Anton and Vincent have toward their life difficulties.
Anton’s true character is revealed in their final game of Chicken when he stops on several occasions, overcome with fear, calling on Vincent to return to the shore. His arrogance takes over and he refuses to acknowledge and accept that he, a ‘perfect’ and Valid individual, has limitations. Because of this Anton almost drowns, and Vincent has to rescue him. Therefore these swimming scenes clearly epitomise the rivalry between the two types of genetic makeup. Ironically, the ‘perfect humans are those who are constantly hampered by a lack of desire in Gattaca. This idea of perfection is corrupted from within.
Jerome Morrow (Jude Law) is an example of this, he is considered by society as a ‘perfect specimen’. Jerome suffers from the ‘burden of perfection’. Director Niccol is showing us that no matter how much a system may try to manufacture individuals it cannot completely control their psyche, inspiration and motivation, which are key ingredients to an individual’s chance to succeed. Vincent proves that the philosophy underpinning discrimination is flawed. Success is determined by other variables that are not within the control of Science. There is no gene for the Human Spirit.
