Genetic Engineering In Gattaca
Gattaca supports the belief that nature is preferable to an error-free genetically engineered existence.
Andrew Niccol’s Sci-fi Thriller, Gattaca, is a dystopian world where a person’s identity is determined by their genetic quotient. In Gattaca the genetically engineered part of society is viewed as perfect while the naturally conceived are viewed as invalids or “de-gene-rates”. Contradictorily, Niccol attempts to demonstrate to the audience that nature, with its flaws, is preferred over an error-free, genetically engineered society. Niccol does this by contrasting the natural and scientific worlds through the overarching techniques of setting, and characterisation and other filmic specific devices.
Niccol’s juxtaposition of the natural and …show more content…
In Gattaca genetics plays a prominent role in society and “discrimination [is] down to a science.” Niccol utilises flashback and voiceover to reveal Anton’s genetically engineered conception as Vincent, through voice over narration, reveals that Anton is promised a successful life due to his higher genetic quotient, “a son [Vincent’s] father deemed worthy of his name”. However, the last two swimming scenes that Niccol incorporates prove that “for the genetically superior, success is attainable but it is not guaranteed” as Vincent, an invalid, wins both swimming competitions and saves Anton both times. ‘God’s’ eye view camera shots and dialogue are used in the scene to make Anton seem menial as he loses. The camera shots are almost looking down on him and making him seem like the inferior one instead of his brother, and “every time [Anton] [tries] to pull away he [finds] [Vincent] right beside him.” Vincent’s determination is highlighted here as he pushes onwards whilst Anton gives up, forcing Vincent to save him. With his determination, Vincent is able to become an elite member of Gattaca despite his natural flaws, something Anton’s perfect genetics could not do. Jerome Morrow, a disabled former swimmer with genetics that are “second to none”, is represented as a victim to his DNA regardless of his ‘perfection’. “[Jerome]
Andrew Niccol’s Sci-fi Thriller, Gattaca, is a dystopian world where a person’s identity is determined by their genetic quotient. In Gattaca the genetically engineered part of society is viewed as perfect while the naturally conceived are viewed as invalids or “de-gene-rates”. Contradictorily, Niccol attempts to demonstrate to the audience that nature, with its flaws, is preferred over an error-free, genetically engineered society. Niccol does this by contrasting the natural and scientific worlds through the overarching techniques of setting, and characterisation and other filmic specific devices.
Niccol’s juxtaposition of the natural and …show more content…
In Gattaca genetics plays a prominent role in society and “discrimination [is] down to a science.” Niccol utilises flashback and voiceover to reveal Anton’s genetically engineered conception as Vincent, through voice over narration, reveals that Anton is promised a successful life due to his higher genetic quotient, “a son [Vincent’s] father deemed worthy of his name”. However, the last two swimming scenes that Niccol incorporates prove that “for the genetically superior, success is attainable but it is not guaranteed” as Vincent, an invalid, wins both swimming competitions and saves Anton both times. ‘God’s’ eye view camera shots and dialogue are used in the scene to make Anton seem menial as he loses. The camera shots are almost looking down on him and making him seem like the inferior one instead of his brother, and “every time [Anton] [tries] to pull away he [finds] [Vincent] right beside him.” Vincent’s determination is highlighted here as he pushes onwards whilst Anton gives up, forcing Vincent to save him. With his determination, Vincent is able to become an elite member of Gattaca despite his natural flaws, something Anton’s perfect genetics could not do. Jerome Morrow, a disabled former swimmer with genetics that are “second to none”, is represented as a victim to his DNA regardless of his ‘perfection’. “[Jerome]