We live the majority of our lives not knowing what the future holds for us. We are blissfully ignorant to our shortcomings and we are afforded endless opportunities, provided that we put forth the hard work required. Unlike our land of opportunity the future of Gattaca holds a much more jarring realization; from the moment of conception humans are genetically engineered to near perfection with minimal errors. In this society those who are not fruits of genetical engineering needs to work twice as hard, if they are to have an iota of a chance at accomplishing their dreams.
In a society where genetic superiority and engineering to create the ‘perfect’ person is a priority over all else, it would be a normal assumption that society would be a better place and people would be much happier, but in Gattaca it is quite the opposite. From the beginning of the film we see haunting images of the uniformity and soulless behaviour of the Gattaca employees. All people regardless of race, gender, class or age should have an equal opportunity to strive to their full potential if desired, but the society of Gattaca represses the potential of many capable people simply because they are
Gattaca on the other hand doesn’t completely abolish free will, which creates tension. Although their careers are limited by the genes they are born with, this doesn’t stop them from wanting another job. They are still allowed to think their own original thoughts which can lead to dreams. For example Vincent, who has poor gene makeup, is working as a janitor for Gattaca. He is cleaning a window and his manager, seeing him eyeing the rocket launch with hope and desire, tells Vincent not to
Set in a world governed by genetic engineering, Andrew Niccol’s 1997 film, ‘Gattaca’, portrayed the drastic consequences given to the populace in “ the not too distant future”. The protagonist of the story was a man who challenged the system with the help of a disadvantaged Valid. Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) was born the natural way, his genetic test at birth, stated that he had bad eye sight, heart problems and a “life expectancy of 30.2 years”. Given a pre-determined life as a perfect Valid, Jerome Eugene Morrow, had aspired to be the best, until a suicide attempt left him permanently paraplegic. Both these characters overcame adversity, helped each other along the way, and succeeded in their dreams one way or another.
Gattaca brought about some interesting points on human evolution and human ingenuity. We live in a world where babies are left to chance and genetic metaling is frowned upon, but in Gattaca that idea is flipped. Society judges those who are left to God as inferior. How can one be judged for the decision of their parents? Science is moving into uncharted territory, where we might be able to create “super humans” as depicted in the movie. Gattaca revealed both the pros and cons of genetic engineering in science.
This is shown through the accomplishments of the genetically inferior main character, Vincent. Vincent was naturally conceived and born, leaving flaws in his genetic code that could have been eliminated through engineering. Notwithstanding, he is able to outperform his genetically engineered colleagues in the Gattaca space program. The movie is primarily about the difficulties he faces because of discrimination that results from judging a person’s worth based only on their genetic profiles. Many fear that this sort of discrimination could become a reality in our future. Legislation has already been passed to prevent discrimination based on genetic testing. In the movie this sort of legislation existed but was ignored. Obviously, the plot would have been much different if such legislation were adequately enforced.
Gattaca is a dystopian film directed by Andrew Niccol. It is set in the 'not-too-distant future' where discrimination is based on your genetic makeup and has become the defining factor of your societal class. One message in the film was how your genes do not define you. This was effectively conveyed through the character of Vincent who refused to be defined and held back by his 'inferior' genes. The beginning established this message as Vincent is shown using a genetically 'valid' individual's DNA to achieve his dream of going into space and meet his potential that his own 'invalid' genes would not normally allow. This message developed throughout the film through Niccol's use of dialogue, symbolism, characters, and camera angles.
Gattaca is a science-fiction thriller movie, directed by Andrew Niccol. It presents a story of the future prospect of genetic engineering and how it will affect human society. Gattaca gives one perspective of how the future of discrimination is no longer determined by social status or the colour of skin because the discrimination is now down to a science, Vincent: "I belonged to a new underclass, no longer determined by social status or the colour of your skin. No, we now have discrimination down to a science." The better the genes in your body are the better job you will get. In the future world, like presented
Gattaca is an imaginary movie that was released in 1997 about the not-so-distant future involving a dystopic world with genetically engineered humans and technologically reinforced discrimination. It is about a world that no longer discriminates against one’s gender, class or religion but on one’s genes instead. The movie acts as a cautionary tale about the extremes in technology and genetic engineering through its powerful visuals. A world attempting to create utopia by genetically enhancing reproduction does not leave much to an otherwise natural process, and this can ultimately lead to more destruction than perfection.
Over 7,500 animals are killed in zoos because they are deemed surplus, as stated by Liz Tyson an animals rights activist. This giraffe in particular sparked a huge controversy. HIs name was Marius, he was homed at the Copenhagen Zoo and was 2 years old when the staff killed him with a bolt gun. Marius was then dissected and fed to lions in front of ongoing zoo goers. What got people fuming is that he was a healthy, young giraffe. Therefore I believe the killing of Marius should not be justified.
At first look, the world of Gattaca seems like a Utopia. Their development in genetic modification is so advanced that illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases or disorders based upon genetics are greatly reduced, if not eliminated altogether. Endeavors like the Olympics or other athletic competitions would be pushed to entirely new heights as the athletes are literally designed to surpass our current limitations. Science could be advanced even further as the modifications allowed newborns to have a far greater chance of developing intelligence on the higher end of the IQ scale. Each piece of progress that is shown in the movie has incredible potential to save and improve millions of lives. Unfortunately, the great
Gone are the days where modern day factors like merit and aptitude dominate. With the rise of genetic engineering as a social norm, congenital difference now becomes the main discerning factor differentiating the human population as the obsession with perfection grows stronger. This promotes both genetic stratification and genetic discrimination. Narrated by Vincent Freeman, the story of Gattaca is told through his eyes. Viewers are able to catch a glimpse of Vincent’s life and his struggles in attempting to escape the genetic hierarchical system he was born in. Vincent does so in order to fulfill his dream of becoming an astronaut, a dream that was never meant to be realized for someone like Vincent. The film utilises many techniques such as flashbacks, metaphors and relationship dynamics to supplement the film’s plot and shows us how a idealized utopian society is impossible through the story of
Why spend money that is really needed for other things? Why live uncomfortably? Why be trapped in this hole called a home that belongs to another person? Why not live free and peacefully? When a person rents he or she usually throws away money that could be used to purchase something that belongs to them. Money is not easy to come by so why pay out hundreds toward something that is not benefit to the person paying it out. There is no good explanation for making a decision like this. The best option in a situation like this is to buy a house. Buying a house is a better option than renting an apartment.
In the visual text, Gattaca, directed by Andrew Niccol, we’re introduced to a futuristic society where people strive for the best set of genes in hopes of creating a ‘perfect’ society. The main character, Vincent, is classified as an invalid. He overcomes many obstacles in hopes of fulfilling his dream of going to space. In doing so, his actions helped us understand the theme that striving for the best sets of genes risks suppressing individuality and success. Aspects of this include him proving that ‘perfect’ genes doesn’t guarantee success, not conforming to maintain individuality and determination and being
“Your assignment is to write a persuasive essay and present it to the class in a week. You will be graded based on how convincing it is. Today we will be choosing topics,” announced Mr. Bowerbank, my 7th grade English teacher and ruler of classroom 110. My class simultaneously groaned at the prospect of work. I simply lifted my head with intrigue as it was already May and about time we had our first essay. He then proceeded to give examples of topics we could choose and gave us some time to think before we had to tell him our topic. My classmates were already rushing to tell the teacher their idea lest someone else steal it. That meant the usual abortion, death penalty, or drug use topics were out. I really couldn't think of anything and the teacher was slowly making his way through the remaining students like an executioner beheading criminals in a line. I have always thought that he would make a marvelous supervillain if he had a curly mustache, a tophat, and a cape. Eventually my name was called. I slowly dragged myself over to his desk. Even sitting down, he still seemed to tower over me. “What is your topic Cindy?” As usual in such desperate times, my mind turned to food. “Waffles are better than pancakes.” I figured that a waffle was just a differently shaped pancake with a nicer texture. “Hmm. Excellent topic. I look forward to your essay!” I survived to live yet another day.
Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Health, United States, 2002. Flegal et. al. JAMA. 2002;288:1723-7. NIH, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, 1998.