Gattaca Research Paper

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How does Science Fiction Genre Reflect Societal Concerns and Issues? The science fiction genre serves as a mirror to reflect societal concerns and issues in our modern day society through creative and imaginative ways by projecting them unto imagined realities and futures. This is demonstrated in the 1997 film ‘Gattaca’, by Andrew Niccol, which follows the experiences of Vincent, a naturally conceived human, whose dream is to partake in space exploration. Vincent is considered inferior in a society full of people genetically engineered, forming a social hierarchy creating discrimination based on genetic profile. Vincent's dream clashes with societal norms and expectations, causing him to take another identity, navigating through the deception …show more content…

Niccol’s directive style is heavily influenced by the science fiction genre, whose primary purpose is to warn people of the implications of the advancement and development of technology as it allows those conceived through science to be born with the most optimal genes, ‘the best of both parents’, providing them with an unfair advantage such as strength, height, power, and opportunities. Vincent is disgruntled with everyone around him treating him as invalid, as shown in the fight when they are arguing on the beach, in which they are trying to prove their worth, specifically Vincent attempting to desperately prove to be better than his genetically altered brother, we witness this fight from specifically that brothers point of view. This is through a subjective shot where we view the scene from the eyes of the character, incorporating this with a close up shot of the characters face so that it can really encapture and convey the pain, anger and frustration that they are feeling, specifically Anton with the clenching of his jaw and tensing of facial muscles because of being constantly overlooked and treated …show more content…

Niccol challenges and enhances the viewer’s understanding of ethical issues in gattica through multiple tools, such as humanizing the characters as he molds multidimensional, complex characters who go through struggle and hardship, exploring and finding their own identities, to allow for there to be an emotional development and resonance between the characters and the audience to be relatable and for them to understand the emotions and experiences that they are enduring. Through Vincent's victory in the race, the film emphasizes the idea that triumph is not solely based upon by one's genetics but rather their perseverance, resilience, and ability to overcome adversity. Unlike the scenes depicting his childhood, the fight and competition at the beach is dimly lit, with low key lighting creating an intimidating, uncomfortable and tense environment to create fear and suspense amongst the audience to show the significance that this scene has, with Vincent going out of his way and doing everything in his power to win, with the current waves symbolising all the struggles he endured throughout his life. It also includes a longshot scene where he is alone on this journey (wimming by himself), attempting to be pulled back by everybody but he keeps on swimming

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