Transcript An Introduction to Gattaca

an
introduction
Gattaca is a world in which the pace of
scientific discovery has been left
unchecked by moralist and ethical
debate.
Importantly the film does not condemn
science as evil.
Director Andrew Niccol said of the film:
"I would hate for anyone to look at my film and think it is advocating that you
never tamper with genes, because there have been and will be many
positive things to come out of this kind of science in terms of curing diseases.
But the problem is that blurred line between health and enhancement. How
far do you go? Do you consider short-sightedness a disease? Premature
balding? Crooked teeth? Where do you draw the line?" (Andrew Niccol)
At what point does genetic engineering cross a line? What are your
thoughts?
Do you think a line is drawn in Gattaca?
‘Ten fingers and ten
toes, that’s all that
matters, Not now.’
In Gattaca reproductive technologies have replaced traditional methods of
conception and birth.
In Gattaca people are conceived through genetic manipulation. Artificial
insemination is used to screen embryos for genetic defects and ensure
that the best possible gene composition is achieved.
‘We now have
discrimination
down to a
science’.
Those persons born a ‘God-birth’ whose parents left their destinies up to
‘faith’ are classified as ‘invalids’.
Although discrimination is prohibited by law, invalids are rendered second
class citizens.
Invalid Vincent is afforded access to menial jobs and denied the opportunity
to rise above his 30.2 year life expectancy predicted at birth.
What does this classification system evoke?
What other instances throughout history can you cite when discrimination
has occurred in ways which subvert individuals’ liberties?
“There is no gene
for the human
spirit”
Gattaca ultimately rejects the genetic determinism which is at the heart of how the
society is organised.
In Gattaca we see that chance and other unknown factors play a role in our
development as a child and success as an adult
What things ensure Vincent’s success?
If it is not Vincent’s genetic build that makes him successful then what does?
“for the genetically superior,
success is easier to attain but by no
means guaranteed”.
The film shows that genes alone do not guarantee a person’s success
in life.
Many of the film’s most genetically perfect characters are the least
successful.
Consider Anton, Vincent’s brother who is twice beaten in the chicken
race and gains employment in a field usually reserved for ‘invalids’
Eugene, the real Jerome Morrow, who has genetically superior genes
only manages a silver medal in the Olympics
Both these characters lack the drive, determination and courage for
success
“Mine is already
10,000 beats
overdue.”
Vincent refuses to accept the hand dealt to him.
Vincent’s resolve, inner strength, fortitude and strength of mind and spirit are
what propel him forward and enable him to succeed where others who are
genetically superior to him cannot.
‘Destined’ to be an in-valid but driven to rebel, Vincent’s bravery and
determination help in surpass his ‘predetermined’ potential measured at birth.
‘This is how I did
it. I never saved
anything for the
swim back.’
The falsity of predictive genetics is exposed through Vincent’s rise above his
destiny. Vincent represents the triumph of human spirit over a supposedly ‘perfect’,
genetically engineered world.
Gattaca shows that genetic discrimination, labelling people forever, is misguided
and unjust. Niccol condemns the obsession with genetics as something which
blinds people to reality.
What does Anton’s refusal to share blood tell us about him?
What happens after this scene in the film and why is it significant?
In what way are Vincent’s limitations his greatest assets?
“I belonged to a new
underclass”.
In addition to heralding the power of the human spirit, Gattaca shows the dangers
of totalitarian societies where human rights are subjugated and individuality
suppressed
The totalitarian nature of this society is chilling. Technology has usurped individual
rights and freedom. Every citizen’s genetic blueprint is held on a central police
database. Random blood or urine tests in the workplace is commonplace. While
random police sweeps terrorise people.
Gattaca is critical of regimes which negate a person’s humanity
What other regimes can you think of that are totalitarian?
What evidence do we have the Gattaca takes inspiration from these societies?
“nothing that would
prohibit someone working
in the field of law
enforcement, for example
…but now there are
‘enough of the right kind
of people.”
Gattaca is a perfect world, but only perfect for those who are genetically
gifted.
The world created by Niccol is really a dystopian one.
In what way is Gattaca a dystopia?
What other examples of dystopian fiction can you think of?
‘He’s a big fan of
yours…Unfortunately my
son is not all that they
promised. But then, who
knows what he could do?’
In proving that genes aren’t the sole determinate of people’s lives, Vincent
inspired and changed others.
Eugene’s heroic climb up the helix stairway was inspired by the courage and
tenacity shown by Vincent in his determination to achieve his goal.
Dr Lamar’s comment at the film’s end shows how Vincent’s battle has inspired
Lamar’s son to defy his genetic expectations.
Even Irene loses some of her passivity and begins to hope
Lasting Message?
What message should we heed about Gattaca’s
representation of eugenics?
What does it mean to be human?
What factors determine our success and happiness in this
world?
When is rebellion justified? When it is ok to rebuke the
systems and organisations that govern us?