Gattaca – “In the near future” Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) is an in-valid, a supposedly genetically inferior individual (according to his DNA profile at birth), unlike his genetically-selected younger brother. But the movie intends to tell us that there is no gene for fate or the human spirit. Having long dreamed of becoming an astronaut, Vincent, through extraordinary personal effort and against the odds, as well as employing illegal, black-market means, manages to change his identity to that of Jerome Eugene Morrow (Jude Law), a superb example of the genetic elite who suffered a crippling injury.

Vincent becomes a member of Gattaca Aerospace Corp.’s team for a mission to one of Saturn’s moons. Prior to the launch a murder requires an investigation by detective Hugo (Alan Arkin) who closes in on Vincent’s secret identity. Gore Vidal has a supporting role as Director Josef. I’m willing to acknowledge that Vincent overcomes tremendous obstacles and odds to achieve his dream, but I don’t see him as a heroic character. Rather he is courageous but selfish. Just before the launch, Jerome tells Vincent that he will leave a supply of his own blood and urine samples enough for two lifetimes, indicating that Vincent plans to continue his charade as a member of the genetic elite.

Irene Cassini (Uma Thurman), who has a defective heart, and Dr Lamar (Xander Berkeley), who has an in-valid son, have demonstrated sympathy and covered for Vincent after learning of his actual identity. If not for Dr Lamar’s willingness not to report him, Vincent would have been found out early on. A heroic individual might have done what Vincent does up to a point, but upon his return from the Saturn mission, the hero would have revealed his true identity in an effort to prove that the current regime’s rationale for isolating elites from in-valids is invalid. Instead, by continuing to pretend to be Jerome, Vincent will be perpetuating the very social system’s barriers he strove to overcome.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in video and/or DVD format, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2007 Patrick Ivers. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

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