Continuing my A-Z of creative influences, Gattaca is a science fiction film starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law. It is directed by Andrew Niccol and has a fantastic score composed by Michael Nyman. When I first watched this film, it impressed with with its stark representation of the future. It's a future that rings true, however, when you consider some of the social implications of technologies being developed in the present. At the heart of the film there beats a heart so determined to succeed and overcome almost impossible odds, that it is hard not to get swept up in the drama of it all. Many films profess such a accolade, but Gattaca really is a film that examines what it is to be human - on all kinds of levels. It is a film with a grand message, set against the backdrop of a future society and space exploration. It reminds film makers and authors that sometimes the best science fiction stories are told without the need for huge combat set pieces and special effects. I highly recommend this film to anyone who wants something a little different to refresh their science fiction palate.
Synopsis (from IMDB)
In the not-too-distant future, a less-than-perfect man wants to travel to the stars. Society has categorized Vincent Freeman as less than suitable given his genetic make-up and he has become one of the underclass of humans that are only useful for menial jobs. To move ahead, he assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow, a perfect genetic specimen who is a paraplegic as a result of a car accident. With professional advice, Vincent learns to deceive DNA and urine sample testing. Just when he is finally scheduled for a space mission, his program director is killed and the police begin an investigation, jeopardizing his secret.
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