Gattaca is one of the most realistic depictions of the not too distant future. This is a future where genetic perfection is the most important thing in society. Scientifically engineered “valids” are artificially conceived through eugenics and genetically imperfect “in-valids” are naturally conceived. In his directorial debut, Andrew Niccol created a less than science fiction future that’s almost indistinguishable from our own. I first watched Gattaca in my high school science class, but I had a hard time following the complex premise. It didn’t surprise me to learn it wasn’t a financial success.
Genetic discrimination doesn’t sound exciting, but the older I got, the more fascinating Gattaca became. Ethan Hawke plays the “in-valid” Vincent who has a low life expectancy, but a dream worth rooting for. In order to go to space, Vincent must assume the identity of “valid” wheelchair bound swimmer Jerome. Jude Law makes a strong impression without the use of his legs. Vincent goes to extreme measures using DNA samples from Jerome just to join the Gattaca space program. A murder mystery makes the possibility of Vincent getting caught surprisingly suspenseful.
The impressive cast includes Tony Shalhoub, writer Gore Vidal, Ernest Borgnine, and a very early role for Maya Rudolph. Alan Arkin and Loren Dean play detectives using genetic testing to find the “in-valid” imposter. Vincent is only found out by his younger “valid” brother Anton and his attractive “valid” co-worker Irene. Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman have great chemistry because they actually fell in love on set. Their steamy romance is kept strictly PG-13. Although it feels open ended at times, Gattaca is a smartly written thriller with an inspirational message to defy expectations.
Vincent (aka Jerome) and Irene look up
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I remember Gattaca pretty well, don’t think it got advertised enough though. Never knew what the plot was until seeing your write-up of the film. it does sound pretty cool and well written.
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It is a lot more interesting than I was expecting.
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I recall Gattaca as being cerebral in a good way, as well as a good film. That combination doesn’t always show up together, but here I think it does.
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Cerebral is a good word to describe it.
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Let’s hope custom children doesn’t become a real thing!😱.. Ethan Hawke is so versatile isn’t he? Has quietly had an amazing sci-fi career, alone.
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Maybe not in this way, but I know they’ll try.
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Gattaca is near perfect! It has a great cast and it surprisingly still looks good. The idea of gene editing (is that the right term?) is mind-blowing. Like Blade Runner and its sequel, Gattaca challenges us with the idea of what it is to be human.
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