Rent Gattaca (1997)

Good sci-fi - Gattaca review by CP Customer

I seem to remember this getting slated by the critics when it came out, so I didn't watch it. However, it seems to have stood the test of time, unlike some sci-fi films. The story of genetically engineered human beings ruling the world is not a new one, but it is done well. I actually found myself comparing this vision of future society with Nazi Germany, as there were similarities in the way people who were believed to be 'lesser' mortals (or 'In-valids') were treated by the 'Valids'. It also has an appealing message of 'you can do anything you set out to achieve if you put your mind to it'. Thought Jude Law and Ethan Hawke were particularly good.

Thought Provoking SciFi - Gattaca review by GI

An interesting science fiction drama that looks at the potential of genetic engineering of humanity and the social bias that could result. An idea that NASA has proclaimed makes this a very accurate sci-fi film. Set in the near future and the technology to not only identify from someone's genes what their future health may turn out like but also any chances of them having social inadequacies such as alcoholism results in people 'designing' their offspring. Non engineered people become a sub class and restricted to menial jobs. One of these, Vincent (Ethan Hawke) dreams of becoming an astronaut and so embarks on a risky operation to genetically impersonate Jerome (Jude Law), who is now a paraplegic after a car accident. But when a man is murdered at the space agency where Vincent works as Jerome the police begin to suspect an imposter has infiltrated the workforce who are all meant to be genetically superior. This is a thought provoking film that avoids clichéd action in favour of a tense, slow burning drama as Vincent has to try and avoid detection. It's a clever story and a film well worth checking out if you've never seen it. The support cast of Uma Thurman, Alan Arvin and a cameo by Ernest Borgnine adds to making this very watchable.

A good but somewhat slow and deliberative sci-fi thriller - Gattaca review by Philip in Paradiso

We are told the story takes place in the 'not-too-distant future': it depicts a society that is dystopian, totalitarian and repressed, where people are screened and discriminated against on the basis of their genetic profile (genotype profiling). The difference is made between the 'valid' members of society, who are deemed more capable and have had their genetic characteristics improved before birth, and the 'in-valid' members, who are all the others, destined to carry out manual and unskilled tasks.

Although the story takes place in the future - with electric cars and futuristic architecture - in many ways the design of many objects (including the cars) and the style of dress of office workers - all dressed formally, with the men in grey suits and dark ties - are redolent of the 1950s or early 1960s: this is known as 'retrofuturism'. It made me think of the movie 'Brazil', the 1985 dark comedy directed by Terry Gilliam, which is a masterpiece.

The central character of the story is Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), who has always dreamt of taking part in space travel to the outer limits of the solar system. To a large extent, the film is about his life and what he does to achieve his goals.

Where the film is very good is in creating a haunting atmosphere, and it does this in a very effective way. The dialogues are also very good, with excellent acting performances by the various actors, including Jude Law and Uma Thurman. On the other hand, the 'message' conveyed by the film probably is not as deep and complex as many have claimed. The pace of the story is slow, mostly, and there is something a little bit ponderous, gloomy and deliberative about the movie. So, it is an interesting and perhaps even captivating film, but it is not a masterpiece.