Movie-A-Day #293: Gattaca

[KingLouieLouie]

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Well, I switched gears with this selection and finally opted to review a film that was released in the 90s (which goes against what I denounced in my last one)...
Gattaca is probably the most original movie to be screened in the theatres for the past 10 years....Thanks again to Amazon.com for the following:

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential video
Confidently conceived and brilliantly executed, Gattaca had a somewhat low profile release in 1997, but audiences and critics hailed the film's originality. It's since been recognized as one of the most intelligent science fiction films of the 1990s. Writer-director Andrew Niccol, the talented New Zealander who also wrote the acclaimed Jim Carrey vehicle The Truman Show, depicts a near-future society in which one's personal and professional destiny is determined by one's genes. In this society, "Valids" (genetically engineered) qualify for positions at prestigious corporations, such as Gattaca, which grooms its most qualified employees for space exploration. "In-Valids" (naturally born), such as the film's protagonist, Vincent (Ethan Hawke), are deemed genetically flawed and subsequently fated to low-level occupations in a genetically caste society. With the help of a disabled "Valid" (Jude Law), Vincent subverts his society's social and biological barriers to pursue his dream of space travel; any random mistake--and an ongoing murder investigation at Gattaca--could reveal his plot. Part thriller, part futuristic drama and cautionary tale, Gattaca establishes its social structure so convincingly that the entire scenario is chillingly believable. With Uma Thurman as the woman who loves Vincent and identifies with his struggle, Gattaca is both stylish and smart, while Jude Law's performance lends the film a note of tragic and heartfelt humanity. --Jeff Shannon

DVD features
In addition to a superb widescreen transfer, the DVD edition of Gattaca includes several deleted scenes (and one humorous outtake), which further establish the story's social context and provide additional insight into the scientific and ethical issues explored in this extraordinary film. --Jeff Shannon

Personal Note:

I actually didnt watch "Gattaca" until this past year, however, it immediately became one of my all-time sci-fi movies.... It really impacted me since it poignantly depicted several controversial science/medical issues along with profoundly bringing-up numerous ethical/social questions as well....

Andrew Niccol did a sensational job in writing and directing Gattaca as he did a rather flawless effort..... The entire movie was riveting throughout and never lost it's "breakneck" pace...even in the climax it still managed to keep the viewers on the edge of its seats.....

Jude Law, Ethan Hawke, and Uma Thurman, Alan Arkin, and Elias Koteas all embodied their characters with such brilliance that they each really represented them extremely well.....

There were several themes of this film, however, the primary one was freedom.... Another instance the theme of freedom was evident in “Gattaca“ since Vincent’s genetic make-up prevented him from reaping the rewards of being a “desired child”. The lack of freedom forced Vincent to endure a considerable amount of hardship and struggles at first, however, once he was able to transform he was able to discover what he had been excluded from. To finally not be forced with any limitations enabled Vincent to accomplish his main life-long goal which otherwise would not have materialized if he never was granted his freedom.

Gattaca is a must see..not just for those who are interested in sci-fi or anything medical/science related, but for those who are into top-notch productions such as this.... Is it for all ages? Not necessarily since it deals with several controversial matters that children shouldnt entirely be exposed to, but yet could allow for one to get a better interpretation of how science and social ethics mix.....

 

[Chaplin]

Great movie, even though I disagree about it being the most original of the past 10 years. In fact, I don't think it's the best sci-fi of the last 10 years (that distinction belongs to Dark City, IMO), but Gattaca definitely is one of the best.

On another note, the re-released DVD cover art is awful!

 

[Renz]

Great movie. It's been one of my favorite sci-fi films for quite awhile. Jude Law is great in this movie. Definitely one I need to own.

 

[D-Dogg]

Fantastic film with great acting.

I loved Gattaca instantly, saw it in the theater because of a nerdy roomate I had one semester.

 

[Ryanwb]

I loved Gattaca instantly, saw it in the theater because of a nerdy roomate I had one semester.

Strangley, I saw it under the same circumstances..... he also made me see Starship Troopers (twice) ------>

 

[D-Dogg]

Strangley, I saw it under the same circumstances..... he also made me see Starship Troopers (twice) ------>

My nerd made me watch Zero Effect. Suprisingly, I liked it. It was an odd film though. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120906/

 

[Bada0Bing]

I'm not a huge Sci-Fi fan, but this movie was pretty cool.

 

[Pariah]

There were several themes of this film, however, the primary one was freedom....

I just watched this one. Great flick; really enjoyed it.

I would however, disagree that the primary theme is "freedom." I'd say it's individual potential. Throughout the movie, people are placing limitations on the "in-valids," and Vincent is an example to at least 2 people (Uma Thurman's character and the doctor) that those limitations are false. It's left open to interpretation as to whether or not his engineered brother has also seen that example.

 

[FischerKing]

great flick - i just picked it up on dvd this past week!

shawn