Gattaca Themes

Andrew Niccol's film 'Gattaca' effectively conveys crucial elements of science fiction to examine the possible ramifications of modern man’s self-destructive nature. Like all science fiction texts, Niccol forces responders on an introspective journey into a possible future. Through Gattaca's dystopic setting, Niccol’s unnatural and lifeless society is reflective of our near future, commenting on the inherent dangers of such world through characters that are representative of society’s natural flaws and goodness. Through the use of unique characters who are opposed to the ways of their society and societal limitations placed on them, Niccol emphasises the natural life of which a futuristic society is devoid. Through both characterisation and …show more content…
Set in a dystopic world where "genoism" dictates personal and impersonal success, both Vincent and Irene embody the perfect protagonists as they challenge the moral groundings of their dystopic world. While Vincent questions the “Validity” of discrimination in a world that celebrates “valids” and discriminates against “invalids”, “I lied on my resume, but my real resume was my cells”, Irene has grown up in a world of perfection and has grown up accordingly shown through the red herring, "I read your profile". 'Chicken' is a significant motif in the film, illustrating that although discrimination is illegal, it is the underlying moral code for all human relationships in this world and certainly the relationship between Vincent and Anton. The first swim highlights Anton's need to proclaim himself as a “valid” superior, “You know you’re going to lose”, highlighting the discriminatory nature of the world Vincent is opposed to. Vincent’s vulnerability as “invalid” at the start of the film is furthered here through the high angle shot of Vincent defeated in the water and the use of yellow lighting, representing the arrogance resulting from a genetically fixated society. Ultimately, the final swim creates a bridge between Vincent's invalid life and his future, confirming his success as “The impossible happened". The green lighting highlights Anton’s jealousy of Vincent’s success, “You’ve gone as far as you can go”, while the frenetic camera angles of the drowning scene create an unnerving atmosphere and challenge Anton's 'perfection', “my brother was not as strong as he believed and I was not as weak. It was the moment that made everything possible”. Likewise, Irene challenges societal expectations through her relationship with Vincent as her desires juxtapose the unnatural coldness of this world, “I’m a fifth birth or a de-generate or whatever.”