Gattaca

He world of “Gattaca” focuses on genetic perfection, yet it is the imperfect Vincent who achieves the most. Discuss.

It is set within a world dominated by people who are genetically engineered. Andrew Niccol's film 'Gattaca' portrays a realistic view of the future and gene manipulation in the “not too distant future”. Throughout the film, many significant scenes shows evidence of “Gattaca” is a world which only cares about genetic perfection, yet it is the imperfect Vincent who achieves the most. Vincent although seemingly cursed with an imperfect genetic composition, but he manages to overcome considerable odds in order to achieve his dream of space travel. Vincent also shows his achievement through the race between Anton and himself, especially in the swimming scenes. .

Right through the film, Vincent and Anton races in different ways since childhood to adulthood. The really distinct one will be the swimming scenes. With Vincent and Anton, their swimming competitions are held in the ocean, which is a natural place, symbolizing rebirth. Initially, Vincent loses the race because of the health problem that he is born with and impression, given pressured by his parents and the pre-school, of being weak and frail. In the third swimming sequence it is Anton, who is angry and puzzled. Again, Vincent beats Anton when they are adults. As Vincent rescues Anton from drowning, the subjective shot shots Vincent looks up to the dark sky and the stars, this is symbolic of his own struggle and of their struggle as brothers where DNA defines who you are and “valid or not” in this world.Vincent, meanwhile, through his determination and will of force is able to fulfill his dream of going to the stars and once again beats Anton in swimming. “Yo...

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...preparing for Vincent and his colleagues to go to Titan indicates both of them will be leaving this world.

Vincent seems condemned to an empty and unfulfilling life when introduced into the society of the “not too distant future”. He is disadvantaged because of his parents' adherence of non-well born genes which leave his short lifespan and different diseases and problems. Consequently, in this society where genetic engineering is a common thing rather than an exception, it appears that Vincent will always live in the shadows of genetically superior beings. Although Vincent is at the lower end of the genetic hierarchy, it is due to his ferocious determination and unquenchable desire that he attained himself from the other colleagues of Gattaca and achieve his dreams. It is these qualities that consider Niccola's central protagonist unique in the world of Gattaca.