Review: Gattaca (1997)

Gattaca

Rating

Director

Andrew Niccol

Screenplay

Andrew Niccol

Length

1h 46m

Starring

Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Loren Dean, Gore Vidal, Xander Berkeley, Jayne Brook, Elias Koteas, Maya Rudolph, Blair Underwood, Ernest Borgnine, Tony Shalhoub, Alan Arkin, Dean Norris, Ken Marino, Cynthia Martells, Gabrielle Reece

MPAA Rating

PG-13

Review

Genetic manipulation has been a theme of science-fiction since as far back as Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. Far removed from that seminal work, but no less inspired, is Andrew Niccol’s original feature film Gattaca.

Set in the near future, the world’s population are broken into two categories: the genetically superior, who are all born of selective breeding and eugenics, and those born of natural methods without gene manipulation. Ethan Hawke stars as Vincent, one of the latter group, collectively referred to as in-valids. His younger brother Anton (Loren Dean) is a valid, a genetically-manipulated human. Society has decided that all the best jobs must be taken by the “better” humans and all menial tasks will be handled by the inferior. This puts a crimp in Vincent’s plan to become an astronaut.

While working at Gattaca Aerospace Corporation, Vincent uses genetic samples from a valid (Jude Law) in order to secure a spot on an upcoming shuttle launch. His delicate house of cards risks collapse at every turn as the corporation has numerous genetic checkpoints that all employees must go through and if he makes one mistake, he risks not just a loss of his dream but arrest and punishment.

Niccol wrote and directed the film, his feature debut. The screenplay is tightly written with a fascinating premise that explores society’s overemphasis on genetic manipulation as a panacea for woes they’ve invented for themselves. By relegating intelligent and capable individuals to demeaning jobs while elevating those who may be genetically enhanced, but who possess flaws of their own, they are creating a false sense of security which our protagonist manages to exploit.

There’s a subplot involving Hawke and Uma Thurman as a love interest. She is a valid as well yet is also damaged in spite of her fetal origin. This subplot showcases the idea that in spite of all its perceived benefits eugenics and its side effects are no more perfect than someone born naturally. While the film is a polemic against genetic enhancement, it’s also a parallel to current society where those who have elite breeding and powerful allies have a much easier road to success than those who are born of the lower classes or without an even playing field. This compelling science fiction feature embodies what the genre does best.

The performances are solid while the setting and effects create an amazing sense of place without feeling overbearing or overwhelming. It’s a simple, evocative tale that brings the audience in with ease, allowing them to empathize with Vincent’s plight even as dominoes begin to wobble.

Gattaca is one of several 1990s science fiction films that helped define that decade of one of the genre’s best. It’s a magnificent film that shines for audiences of any generation, though might not resonate as well with the “Haves” as it will with the “Have Nots.”