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Gattaca
Review of Andrew Niccol's film
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The story is set in "the not-too-distant future", a chilling
expression which infers that its author is certain that not only people are evolving towards the society described
in his visionary film, but also that it is happening very fast. In this future, most children are
perfectioned via genetic manipulation while still
embryos. Segregation in all ways of life is not based on gender or ethnicity any more but
on genetic material. Those born naturally, either because the parents could not afford or
refused scientific intervention, are the new underclass. Vincent is one of them. His dreams,
his passion and ambition for space travel are doomed to failure because no matter how hard
he works and studies, no employer will hire an 'invalid' as anything else than a cleaner.
However, his determination seems boundless and he is ready to attempt anything to challenge
his fate. |
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| A deeply pessimistic vision of the future of genetics which unfortunately also seems sadly
realistic and highly probable. What are the odds that a scientific invention, however strong
its beneficial potential, will be used for good deeds and not to cause more oppression for
a change? This film questions the inescapability of fate and celebrates human will and the
refusal to give up one's dreams in the face of adversity. The story also asserts the
superiority of the soul, of the individual over conformity and perfection. The futuristic
universe of Gattaca is cold and sterile. All the workers are as efficient and deprived of
individuality as the computers they use. Love and humanity have given way to a
machine-like way of life, in which people choose their life companions, friends or
employees according to their genetic potential solely. |
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| The photography is beautiful. Most colours in Gattaca are
cold and neutral tones as to emphasise the asceptic nature of this future, while the scenes shot outside are most
often bathed in a soft golden evening sunlight. The music is wonderful and haunting.
The introduction sequence is very well thought of and ingeniously filmed. The direction and the
acting are truly impressive. The intricate play on looks, silences and carefully chosen
words gives to this film an unusual subtle and delicate touch, which confers upon it a
specific charm. A particularly brilliant such sequence is the one starting with Irene's coded warning to Vincent to go home
and ending with the confrontation at Jerome's appartment. |
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