Gattaca
Essay Preview: Gattaca
Report this essay
Andrew Niccols Gattaca portrays a discriminatory society in which status and quality of life is determined solely by a DNA profile. However, it is against this oppressive regime that Vincent Freeman shines, as Niccol conveys the importance of maintaining individuality – in those qualities which deem his protagonist unique. Throughout the film Niccol criticises those who conform and contribute to this, while simultaneously he praises those valids who do rebel in order to emphasise how pivotal it is that the human race does not succumb to lead the existence portrayed by this “not to distant future” society.
From an early point in the film, Niccol depicts the environment of the Gattaca corporation. It is a sterile and artificial world where individuals appear identical in every aspect of their being; their facial expressions, their attire and restricted walking action. Here, Niccol emphasises the monotony of this society as he questions the meaning of such a machine-like existence. This is a world where, although racial and sexist discrimination no longer exists, a far worse prejudice has taken replaced these unfair assumptions based “on the colour of your skin”. And, here Niccol suggests that this interchange has come at a costly price.
Individuality has been repressed, as in this world, nobody even looks at a “photograph”. And where if in the case that an individual does rebel and “refuse to disclose”, a “legal”-drug test can just as easily determine their “future in the company”. Consequently it can even the discrimination caused by those who conform, in the geneticist who insists” believe me, we have enough imperfectionalready” and the kindergarten teacher who symbolically slams the barred-gate in Vincents face is portrayed to have disastrous consequences, as Niccol suggests that at all costs we must avoid such an oppressive system.
However, despite the barriers and controlling existence IsGait is Vincent Freeman who represents the hard continuous relentless struggle to maintain individuality. As a child, he erases his name from the familys measuring pole, evidently refusing to become a victim of the prejudice which sees his “superior” younger brother being favoured in the background. Then, as an adolescent, he does not allow his “goals to change much in the intervening years”
due to the psychologically damaging and pessimistic comments of his father,-“the only way youll ever see the inside of a spaceship is if you were cleaning it”. Instead, it can be considered that he uses utilises these
hardships and the belief of others that he cannot achieve his dream, as motivation to do exactly that. Resorting to more “extreme measures”, Niccol demonstrates the qualifier which make Vincent unique, in his infallible determination and dedication, by means of communicating the importance of maintaining those traits not determined by a genetic profile. We witness Vincents commitment to his dream, as he undergoes
intense physical training and a painful leg lengthening operation – after which even the cynical Jerome “does not question his commitment”. Again, in the scene where Vincent bravely crosses the road despite his myopia – Irenes later comment “you couldnt see could you..you crossed anyway” mirrors the viewers astonishment that Vincent possesses so much courage. Here, the atmosphere created by Niccol as the music
crescendos and the tempo quickens conveys the importance of Vincent overcoming and defeating this challenge. Niccol involves the viewer here with the building of such an intense moment, as in effect he once more conveys the importance of Vincents natural strengths.
Throughout the film, Niccol compares Vincent to his younger “valid” brother Anton in order to emphasise the contrasts between the two individuals. Here, this juxtaposition As a child, Anton is seen to possess much arrogance, stating coldly to Vincent “How many astronauts are there anywayI bet I could be one, if I wanted” and taunting him with comments such as “come on you coward” during their frequent swimming
challenges. Hence Anton can be considered as one who believes that success will be delivered to him solely because he possesses a “far cleaner profile”. Yet, here Niccol reveals Antons fault in this assumption, as ironically he is in adulthood he is observed working as a “law-enforcement” officer in a position less respected than Vincent who is a highly esteemed “First-class Navigator”. Hence Here, this is perhaps one of
the most significant indicators of Niccols underlying message to hold onto ones individuality, as Vincent is seen to succeed not due to his superior genetics, but to his persistence and dedication.
Furthermore, Niccol praises the numerous individuals,