A review of "Gattaca": can humanity be upgraded? and is it right to do it?

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(Edited)

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Plot

In the near future, where the story is set, it is possible to conceive human beings with a certain genetic makeup. The traits of the unborn child can be anticipated through this method, allowing it to enter the world without any flaws. In this situation, society is split into Valids—beings with a perfect genetic make-up—and Non-Valids—people born with imperfect genomes who are doomed to live on the periphery of society. The protagonist, Vincent Freeman, aspires to be an astronaut but is unable to do so because he was born a "disabled" person. He is predicted to pass away before the age of thirty because he was born with the same cardiac condition as his father, according to calculations made using his genetic makeup. Vincent is categorized as invalid as a result, whereas Anthony's parents ask for genetic changes so that Anthony can be categorized as valid upon birth. But Vincent aspires to be an astronaut and will do anything to pursue that goal despite all difficulties. Vincent resolves to assume the identity of Jerome, a real paraplegic as a result of an accident, in order to fulfill his ambition. But it won't be simple to keep his identity a secret.

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Why you should watch it?

Modified DNA is now employed in the fields of bioinformatics, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology. For example, genetic screening to lower the risk of disease. Niccol, the director of Gattaca, however, inquires as to what the upper bound of science is. Is it right or bad to choose the physical characteristics and behavioral traits of children who will grow up to be perfect adults? Is it legitimate to split society into two classes, that are genetically unable to communicate, through the analysis of saliva after a kiss to determine if the partner meets the necessary requirements?

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Human imperfection against genetic perfection. Thanks to Ethan Hawke's ability to portray two characters at once, switching between the calm and assurance of faultless men and the emotions that bring him closer to human nature, these words are bound to be reversed. Jude Law's character is one of the most popular. After switching to the the status of "no longer valid," he also encounters discrimination, and it is only after witnessing his friend's tenacity that he understands that "there is no gene for the human spirit," as one of the slogans promoting the movie claims. It's a realization that Uma Thurman, who is at comfortable playing the part of the protagonist's love interest Irene Cassini, also has.

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Thui is a movie that exploits the enduring dualism of identity. The hazy line between fact and fiction thus gives way to a perilous game of intrigue and lies masterfully orchestrated by the New Zealand director, who is capable of leaving a silent unease, born of a world split in half where racism has transcended skin color or religious belief in favor of simple DNA diversity in every shot. With the protagonist's voice-over introducing us into the background of this future where dreams seem unattainable for the less fortunate, Gattaca: The Gateway to the Universe hides philosophical and reflective cues well put into action by a metaphorical narration from the very first moments. Thus, the pioneering courage of our hero, ready to do anything to reach the desired goal, assumes crucial importance. The movie maintains its precise balance, allowing suspense to peek out on several occasions (the "spiral staircase" sequence is memorable), and then leads to a perfect closing of the circle with a sweetly poetic taste.

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Apart from the ideas it explores, Gattaca is a film full of vivid visuals, with a specific outer yellowish photography evoking a sense of apathy in a society that has lost its humanity.

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Conclusion

Is it feasible to advanceupgrade humanity? and if the answer is yes, then should scientific advancement be used to do it?
The purpose of this movie is not to answer to these questions, but to raise concerns about the challenging balance between human evolution and scientific advancement. And this is why Gattaca, in my opinion, is a good movie, because it makes you reflect and think, and this is something that nowadays is not so common.

Rating

My personal vote is:


8.0/10


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7 comments
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I've been looking for a movie like this for a while now. I'm a medical a student so this movie will go a long in my life. Bioengineering and tech is the extra big thing. For sure the world is evolving what can I say. Thank you very much for this review

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Yes the world is evolving and things that some years ago seemed impossible even to think of, are now reality and are changing our world...

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I saw it some time ago and it made me ask myself the same questions you quote at the end of the post.... . The use of film for the good of humanity, can misdirect intentions and result in the opposite. Something I also liked about the movie was the art design, with those minimalist spaces, making the story more interesting.

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Thanks for the comment @jcrodriguez, yeah we should be always careful on how we use technology, because it can do as much bad as the good it does if not used correctly (and the main problem is that sometimes is also difficult to define which is the correct way to use it ...)

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I love the way you write. I wish I could have the ability to write my reviews in English this good.
Gattaca is already a classic with a lot to teach to modern sci-fi. Specially for cyberpunk. It was deep, philosophical and realistic. I can have the same worries that this movie explores.

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Thanks for the compliment 😊, I am happy to hear you liked my review

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