Science fiction has always examined current society by envisioning the future. All too often to science fiction visions of the future delve into the idea that the future is a ruined post apocalyptic waist land. Granted this was very timely during the cold war, when intercontinental thermo-nuclear warfare loomed over everyone. There have to be other ways the world could end up other than a char-boiled cinder heap. What do these visions say about the world we live in today?
In the not to distant future of Gattaca, eugenics and bio engineering have become mainstream. Genetic potential is the primary factor in determining your role in society. People are bred through invitro fertilization choosing the best traits of both parents. A blood test at birth determines how long you will live. People who are natural born are called invalids and are generally left to preform menial tasks in society. Vincent Freeman’s parents conceived him naturally. Although he is highly intelligent and capable, he has a heart disorder and is predicted to die near his 30th birthday. Vincent’s dream is to be an astronaut but due to genetic discrimination he has no chance of being accepted into the job. He wont accepts this and makes a deal with Jerome “Eugene” Morrow, a paraplegic who’s genetic profile is second to none. Eugene will provide blood, urine, and skin samples so Vincent can apply for a job at Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. Despite the risk of detection, a criminal investigation threatening to expose him, and his less than perfect genetic structure, Vincent is able to rise above the odds. He distinguishes himself as the best pilot for a trip to Saturn’s moon Titan.
Visually Gattaca creates a distinct image of it’s world. Many futures are presented as either sleek and spotless, or grimy. This future is neither. The visuals are structured and precise, yet feel tangible. The architecture, used is representative of modern architecture of the 1950’s. Several Frank Llyod Wright buildings are employed. The geometic shapes seem like the kind of of structure a society striving towards physical perfection yet falling just short of it world develop. The cast is all lean, clean cut, and clad it tailored costumes. They are all believably genetically altered to be superior. Cars driven by the characters are based on 1960 model cars. The head lights are all tinted green. The movie has a slight sepia tone and has elements of film noir. These details make it familiar yet foreign, adding to a very different and cool feeling future.
Gattaca is a very interesting look at what may come. Many facets of this world obsessed with genetics are explored. This film is often cited as a reason to be wary of tampering with our DNA. The most jarring aspect of this future is the discrimination invalids face. As Vincent laments, humanity has gotten discrimination down to a science. He never will have a job as anything other than a menial laborer because he’s not perfect. All he needs to prove himself on his interview is a sample of Eugene’s blood. This is a cautionary tale of what could happen now that the human genome is mapped. There have been eugenic movements throughout history which target ‘inferior’ people. Hitler wanted to create a master race. Gattaca isn’t this extreme. This world isn’t a totalitarian state. Its a relatively free society, where as long as your valid it’s a good place to live. The problems arise if you are invalid. Genoism is illegal in this possible future, but this doesn’t stop companies from misusing samples for drug test. Invalids aren’t forced into concentration camps, sterilized, or executed. Technically they have the same rights as anyone else, but then again, racism persists despite many civil rights laws. Valids in this future also face difficulties. At one point Vincent and his girlfriend go to a concert preformed by a man bred with 12 fingers. This man has been predestine to be a great piano player by his parents choices. Did this pianist ever have an option to pick his own path? Eugene discusses his feelings of failure. Despite his perfect breeding he was only able to earn a silver medal in swimming. His failure is considered particularly egregious and unacceptable because not only did he fail, but his DNA did as well. He becomes suicidal and ends up as a paraplegic when he throws himself in from on a car.
To be fair there are flaws with the premise of the film. Gattaca Aerospace, would be completely within their rights to prevent a person with a heart condition from going into outer space. NASA wouldn’t want one of their astronauts dieing during a mission. It could put lives in danger. Insurance companies already discriminate based on people their proclivity to disease. People with cancer, heart disease, and other congenital diseases in their family have to pay higher rates. Despite any flaws Gattaca raises a valid point. What could happen if genetic engineering got carried away with itself. I wouldn’t cite this movie as a reason against genetic engineering, however I do think that it is a very cool and thought provoking view of what may come.