GATTACA (1997)

GATTACA (1997)

There's no better way to introduce a movie than with a trailer, right? After glancing around, I realized that the trailer for GATTACA pretty perfectly sets up the questions raised by the movie's storyline.

In the near future, every human is genetically engineered. As the trailer says, success is determined not by skill, but by science. This genetic engineering creates two new, distinct social classes: the valids and the in-valids, for those who are genetically engineered and those who are not, respectively. Our main character, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, is one of these in-valids.

It's a terrible name for what is essentially a normal person. Vincent Freeman (Hawke) was born to two loving parents, but he was born by accident. Conceived and born naturally, he is sadly myopic and diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Vincent's dream of becoming an astronaut seems unattainable, as his deficiencies as a person (if you want to call them that) resign him to a life less suited for him.

He assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow, a genetically perfect, but paralyzed former swimmer. Using Jerome's genetic samples (fingerprints, blood, and urine) he manages to sneak into the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation to achieve his dream of going to outer space.

He is reunited with his estranged brother, who is a valid citizen, and proves in a swimming competition that he is superior despite his "inferior" genetic code.

The big question raised by GATTACA is about whether our genetics truly defines who we are. Vincent is able to fool the entire Gattaca Corporation because of his mind. He's able to physically best his genetically superior brother through sheer force of will. What makes him different are invisible, apparently ineffectual differences in his genetic code.

The Anthropocene is present in this movie. Science and culture have moved to a point where humans are able to fundamentally alter themselves. Because of this new genetic engineering technology, a new form of prejudice develops.

Without getting into a lengthy discussion about social justice, I'm not entirely certain that we could trust ourselves with this kind of technology. The ability to alter our very genetic code is enticing, particularly when it comes to disease and disorder as we see Vincent struggle with. I know that I'd like to fix my vision, or maybe darken my skin tone so I don't burn so easily--that obviously runs into the realm of altering myself as I am now, rather than altering someone's genetic structure at conception, as GATTACA has.

The larger point is that it is alluring, this promise of genetic perfection. But as history shows (even recent history) people can find ways to discriminate against just about anyone. When we change the game, we can't blame people for not following the rules. 

Just like Blade Runner, GATTACA makes us question what it means to be human. Is it written in our DNA, or is it something more? With all of our technology, can we ever truly beat human ingenuity?

I'm starting to think this project will pose more questions than it answers, but GATTACA seems to believe that technology isn't perfect. It may not be the enemy, but it is certainly their tool.