Review of Gattaca (1997) by Harry W — 13 Jan 2016

Gattaca is an extremely fascinating Sci-Fi drama film which cleverly explores themes of gene development and prejudice in such a way that it can be reflected as a response to general racism.

Gattaca chronicles a rise in technological advancement of human development and how it affects not only physical development of humans, but also their way of thinking. It's analysis of a utopian future with a totalitarian government is very clever and the premise draws strength from it's subplot's and excellent acting, as well as great cinematography, quality film editing, good visual effects and futuristic production design, as well as a very strong screenplay.

Ethan Hawke plays a powerful lead with great character development and line delivery, making him into a complex character who is determined to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal of being an astronaut, even if it means compromising his beliefs.

Uma Thurman also portrays a strong character who embodies the film's setting and creates good motifs for conversations with Ethan Hawke so that we are provided with strong character insight.

Jude Law also brings charm and strength to the film in it's more subplot moments, and his physical talent is impeccable, especially in the scene where he is forced pull himself up stairs without use of his legs. He shows the physical talent as an actor as good as John Malkovich's in Places in the Heart which was some of the greatest I've seen.

So Gattaca works as a look at what can appear as a utopian future but is plagued with the extraneous variables of prejudice and lack of natural life that is enhanced by strong acting and a screenplay that really makes you think.