Gattaca Movie Reaction Essay

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Gattaca

The main question asked in the film Gattaca is whether or not genetics is the best way to define humanity, or should non-physical attributes be used. Set in a nearing dystopian future where genetics is the basis of success or failure, this science fiction film follows the actions of a naturally-born human, named Vincent, who attempts to overcome his genetic inferiority and become an astronaut. Forever in competition with his younger, but genetically modified brother Anton, Vincent uses the genetic material from another modified human to mask his own DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and enter the space program. ("What is DNA?") But it is Vincent's superiority of drive and ambition that allows him to cheat the system and succeed in a society that believes his genetic inferiority will make that impossible. The fact that he does succeed calls into question the belief in the inherent superiority of genetically modified humans and genetic engineering in general.

Vincent is born a "faith child," or a non-genetically modified human, with a number of genetic imperfections; including a heart defect.

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But his parents, wanting to avoid those problems, genetically modify their second son, named for their father Anton. The life-long competition between the two boys, and Vincent's inability to win against his younger brother in physical contests, creates an ambition to succeed inside Vincent. Being an astronaut becomes Vincent's symbol of victory over, not only his genetically modified brother, but all genetically modified humans. A victory of natural humanity over their "superior" brothers and sisters.

In order to accomplish this victory, Vincent needs the genetic material of a genetically modified human to mask his own genetic fingerprint. For this he goes to Gerome Morrow, a modified human who was paralyzed in a suicide attempt. "Gerome was engineered with everything needed to get into Gattaca…except the desire to do so." (Gattaca, 29:30) He may have had the genetic fingerprint of a superior human, but he lacked the drive, ambition, and courage to actually succeed. He represents the pinnacle of genetics….....

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