Gattaca

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, Haunting Science Fiction
Review: All those who think Star Wars is good science fiction, beware: Gattaca just might change your life. With nothing more than some gorgeously stark cinematography and direction; skillful, nuanced acting and a few well-chosen details, Gattaca sets the standard for serious sf films, telling a story that takes off from an interesting intellectual premise and ends up affecting the viewer on a richly emotional level.

Vincent, born without the aid of genetic engineering, hampered by his predispositions for violence and early heart failure, longs to make it out to space; when simple hard work and dedication fail to pay off, he turns to deception, purchasing the genetic legacy of genetically flawless but suicidal Jerome Morrow to get in the door at the Gattaca Corporation, his launching pad into space. Just as Vincent's goal comes into sight, someone bludgeons his mission director to death. The investigators who descend on the corporation soon discover a stray eyelash Vincent left behind, and name him as a suspect. Vincent, meanwhile, must continue his life as "Jerome" under the watchful gaze of the investigators while pursuing a romantic relationship with the nearly-flawless Irene. And the lead investigator is the last person Vincent wants to see.

Gattaca boasts some remarkable performances. Jude Law, playing Jerome, infuses all of his lines with anguished self-loathing, the anguish of one who never asked for the perfection--and its attendant expectations--that he was given, while Uma Thurman, as Irene, offers one of the subtlest performances of her career playing a woman whose perfection just isn't perfect enough for the world into which she was born. Loren Dean, as Vincent's younger, genetically improved brother Anton, also gives some affecting scenes.

A protagonist's role is usually the least demanding of a movie, as the need to be likeable and sympathetic tends to preclude much complication or darkness, but even in his limited role as Vincent, Ethan Hawke does remarkably well.

Gattaca is a movie well put-together from start to finish; every element of the film falls into place, and its cumulative effect is one that's hard to forget, even long after the credits roll. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Brave New World II
Review: Gattaca pleasantly surprised me as a thoughtful and rather worrisome view of the possible future instead of the special-effects-laden sci-fi movie I was expecting.

The story takes place at a time when genetic excellence is the yardstick by which individuals are measured. The ability to preselect genes among offspring and measure one's genetic potential through simple biological tests gives rise to a new form of discrimination that bars the genetically flawed protagonist, played by Ethan Hawke, from his lifelong goal of becoming an astronaut. Undaunted, he sets out to fool a genetic screening system and gain admission to the space program where he can pursue his dream. A scandalous incident at the space center (Gattaca) casts a scrutinizing light on each of the employees and threatens to expose his deception.

The details of this movie are clever and well thought out. The film has a graceful, almost poetic quality bolstered by a lush musical score. The acting is quite good all the way around. Ethan Hawke's fine performance certainly puts him on the map if he wasn't already there. Jude Law almost steals the show with his convincing portrayal of the broken golden child made miserable by his own misfortune but who comes to share in the dream of Ethan Hawke's character as he helps him outwit the system.

Gattaca shows us that lackluster natural potential coupled with unwavering desire and ambition can ultimately reach higher than mere genetic predisposition. Well worth seeing; four-and-a-half stars.

Rating:
Summary: Hawke's finest role to date
Review: A beautiful story of hope and passion, Gattaca is one of the best science fiction pictures ever made, along with a fantastic music and a very good cast and acting.This may be Hawke's finest role to date, and his only appearence in a cult and, in my opinion, a classic movie.
Not to be missed.

Rating:
Summary: Discrimination has now become a science...
Review: Eugenics as a form of social control by governments over its subjects is a very real issue. The formation of a so-called 'perfect' human being by way of genetic manipulation is a current science that is developing at such a rate that the ethical issues the subject raises, and the productive dialogue required when artificially controlling life, is falling way behind. In Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World Revisited', he explores a society where genetics is used to create the perfect society, and the ethical and social implications of such a world. He does not paint a positive picture. As the main character, Vincent, in this film proclaims, "Discrimination has now become a science." One's social status in society is solely determined by the perfections or imperfections of their genetic make-up. What does society do with its genetic imperfections? In the film, the lower end of the gene pool is relegated to menial jobs and the streets. Those without imperfections, the biological determined 'elite', are placed in the prestigious and important jobs and enjoy all the benefits. More than anything else, I believe, this important film is about the strength of the human spirit over so-called biological determinism. As the main character, Vincent, shows us, the will of the spirit far outweighs one's genetic predisposition.

Writer/director Andrew Nicole (Simone, The Truman Show) has rendered a near perfect film depicting a not so future dystopian world where governments determine its citizen's place in society before they're even born. This is fascism in its purest form. Our protagonist, Vincent, had the misfortune of being born a 'love child' conceived in the back seat of his parent's car. He is a 'de(gene)rate' whose future has been already determined: a life of slovenly jobs, a marked citizen, known as an 'invalid'. One day he realises, after saving his near perfect, genetically engineered brother's life, that he has what it takes to join the ranks of society's elite, and sets a plan in motion to join the Gattaca company. The lengths this boy goes to in order to achieve his goal is nothing less than astounding.

Considering the current lock down of our rights in society, (fingerprinting and computerized mugshots at every border airport) and due process dwindling at an alarming rate; genetic science becoming society's sole judge and executioner in our courts of law; and genetic science itself moving ahead in leaps and bounds without true and productive debate about the ethical implications, the world of Gattaca is almost upon us. As the film states at the beginning, "In the not so distant future.", is a frightening reality we must consider. This is an important film that should not be ignored.

Rating:
Summary: very cool and thought provoking
Review: Since most other reviewers already gave you most of what you need to know, ill toss in the other parts you need to know. Namely, if you are a fan of science fiction, you need to see this movie. It's entertaining, thoughtprovoking and at the same time, cautionary. The events depicted in "the not so distant future" are just that. Literally around the corner.
The cinemamatography is beautiful as well. Filmed in (I've been there, its in california but I can't remember what it's called) a Frank Lloyd Wright creation the film is shot to look, well, retro (the future will be retro?) but its really, for lack of better words, cool looking. Stark figures stand against orange backrounds, the sun reflects off a field of solar panels, an upside down ocean is shot through the corner of a glass wall, etc. Gattaca was shot incredibly stylish. And the idea that the main backdrop for a futuristic society was a building created and desinged in the 50's is interesting as well.
If you are into science fiction, you ought to see this movie. It's highly original in look and feel, and it explores the "what if?" of a very forsee able future. Its everything a science fiction movie should be. Fresh, original, not bogged down by special effects, action, or just stupid star wars/star trek wannabe [junk]. It' s refreshing. I wish more movies were like this.
(note: The deleted scenes probably should have been left in, save the deleted moral collage. It wouldn't have worked as part of the film, though it is however, worth watching after the film. I also believe there is a dvd version of this movie avaliable with more special features, which I would recomend purchasing over this one.)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Sci-fi film of the 90's
Review: Gattaca is a moving, deeply intimate story about the human struggle for achieving one's dreams. It is with a combination of brilliant acting by all the principles, a subtle yet powerful script, great direction, and a perfectly matched soundtrack that causes the film to come across as masterfully as it does.

What makes Gattaca so different is it's ability to achieve that "reach for your dreams" theme without being corny or contrived. While I always love inspirational movies about the power of the human spirit, "Rocky" and "Rudy" are just too in-your-face to actually effect the viewer on a deep level.

This is the first movie since "Field of Dreams" that has the intimacy and subtlety to pull it off and make the viewer really FEEL the story. Hawke is outstanding as the principle character, a genetically imperfect man trying to overcome the limits placed on him in a futuristic caste society. Jude Law is equally amazing as the man who sacrifices everythig for the chance to feel alive again and ultimately help Hawke reach his dream. The landscapes and sets are all excellently matched to the spartan, utilitarian, and genetically "clean" future world we are swept to. It is quite simply masterful on all levels.

Rating:
Summary: Great Overlooked Sci-Fi Film!
Review: Just rented this movie last night for the first time and I must say that I am truly impressed. A bit slow moving, but makes up for it in smarts, music and acting. This is Jude Laws first major role as the cripple and you can tell right away why he has become such a great actor. This movie and "Training Day" are probably the only two films I can stand Ethan Hawke in and thats a good thing. Uma Thurman is pretty good and beautiful as the love interest (see the "Kill Bill" Volumes for true Uma!). Ethan was a retard for cheating on her in real life! If you want a great science fiction film with events that could actually happen one day, look no further than Gattaca.

Rating:
Summary: How do you hide when you're running from yourself?
Review: Gattaca (1997) is a beautiful movie that takes place in the not-so-distant future where genetic manipulation prior to birth brings out the best qualities of the parents while eliminating the worst, specifically, predispositions to diseases, additions, poor eyesight, etc. That is, if your parents choose to do so...

The film tells the a story about Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), a man born naturally, a 'God-child', one who didn't benefit from advanced technology during his development within the womb, and subsequently has various conditions many are familiar with like poor eyesight, heart problems, etc. Vincent has his sights set on the stars, wanting to travel to distant planets, visit far away places (I mean really far away) but due to advanced science, he has no chance as people can now determine the status of your health, your future health, by any number of ways, a strand of hair, a bit of spittle on a cup, a flake of skin, and while biases due to genetic profiling are illegal, the practice is common and widespread, resulting in Vincent relegated to working in less than desirable jobs like cleaning offices.

This practice of genetic stereotyping has lead to a new kind of crime, one where a person of impeccable genetic make-up but who has found themselves a victim of fate due to a permanent injury or such, can broker their identity to a natural born person, supplying that person with various blood and urine samples, strands of hair, flakes of skin, allowing that person to pose as a 'valid' individual, and garner a choice position in corporate society. Jude Law plays Jerome Eugene Morrow, a superior individual who suffered a crippling accident and has now agreed to sell his identity to Vincent Freeman, in exchange for Vincent supporting the lifestyle Jerome was accustom to prior the accident. This involves a very elaborate daily routine by Vincent, including a complete scrub down of his entire body to remove any 'loose' material that could possibly be found, analyzed, and give him away. In order for Vincent to pose as Jerome, he must carry on him samples of Jerome's blood, urine, and other identifiers at all times.

Vincent manages to pull off the sham, securing himself a position at Gattaca, a 'corporate' NASA, and is on the fast track to achieving his dream of space travel...but for one problem. A high-ranking official in Gattaca was recently murdered, and the police are thoroughly investigating all individuals. Will Vincent's shell of deception crack under close scrutiny of a murder investigation?

I really enjoyed this movie, watching for a second time last night. The picture has a very texturized feel, with the subdued lighting, immaculate sets and costumes giving the entire movie a very 'noir' quality. The story was very well laid out, allowing for rich development of the main characters, creating a real interest and empathy for me for the proceedings on the screen. Ethan Hawke and Jude Law played their roles wonderfully, one as the struggling 'inferior' with dreams that reach beyond his genetic make-up, and the other as the spoiled near-perfect specimen forced to deal with a physical infirmity due to fate, one that couldn't be corrected for with pre-natal DNA manipulation. Followed up with a strong supporting cast including Uma Thurman, Alan Arkin, and Elias Koteas, we are presented with a very plausible science fiction tale, one that may cause you to give some thought and provoke conversation on the concept of human messing around in Mother Nature's domain.

The picture here looks wonderful, and is available here in both full screen and wide screen anamorphic formats. Special features also include a trailer for the film, a featurette, deleted scenes, and production notes.

Cookieman108

Rating:
Summary: Finally, a sci-fi flick that's not about the special FX!
Review: Gattaca totally bombed at the box office. The ... folks call it a "low-profile" release. Yeah, right. It grossed less than $10 million, despite a big budget and a big cast. But it was poorly marketed (check out the horrible trailer), and the public just didn't dig the dark subject matter without any of the usual high-tech accoutrements -- such as nifty explosions, CGI characters, the like.

I however loved the lack of special effects in this movie. This is science fiction in a pure sense -- not as popcorn movie, but as a thought-provoking look at what certain advances in science will bring about.
What if we could genetically engineer all human life? That question is taking on added urgency with each passing cloning revelation.
What if pollution got so bad that life expectancy rates were to drop sharply for all who did not have special genetic enhancements?
What if genetic fingerprinting technology got so good that you could not do ANYTHING without the government knowing about it, because their genetic sniffers could detect the DNA in the skin cells you shed every second?

This is not far-out sci-fi, this is plausible, near-future sci-fi.

It has excellent acting performances, including a wonderful Jude Law before he became really famous.

As added bonuses, you get a really taut thriller and a decent love story to boot.

But leave the popcorn in the cupboard: this is a pretty dark movie with a pretty bleak vision of the future. Twizzlers would be more appropriate.

Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant out of the ordinary sci-fi...
Review: It wasn't exactly surprising that this masterful film escaped most radars. Without bombastic effects and without any mass promotion and media brouhaha it was released almost silently and has gained the reputation of a true classic ever since.

Twenty minutes into this film and all the tell-tale signs of a great and capturing story are already well in place and it almost never lets down after that.

With all the dystopia banners obvious to anyone who's lost his optimism, Gattaca is about the story of a future society where ID has become one's gene-pool. Those with an "acceptable" gene combination are given access to the better jobs and prospects, and most importantly a chance to leave this planet for outer space, where, by then, humans are exploring domains far beyond their own solar system. Those with an undesirable gene combination, that is, big probability for disease, or other health failures and low life expectancy, are deemed, and doomed, to become society's low-rank water-carriers. The first category is the "valids" and the second the "in-valids".

One such invalid driven by his passionate dream of outer-space travel, finds a way to beat the system, by using blood and hair samples of a former valid who's incapacitated by partial paralysis. He assumes his new ID with full co-operation by the former invalid, and both these peoples' lives become an excruciating every day routine of trying to keep beating the control-checks and achieving each their own goals. Things turn even edgier when a murder investigation inside the base for space-travel points worrying leads towards the (...) and the police are hot on his trail. From then on it becomes a race of time. If he makes it he's safe for good, safe in the confines of the surreal distance that will separate him and the earth as his destination is Titan, a planet several years of distance away.

Gattaca is without a doubt one of the most intelligent films in recent time. Packed with superb ideas about a dystopian future without resorting to pomposity is its utter brilliance, subtle and convincing performances cement the result and the directing is equally great, using color and unidentifiable space to set the atmosphere.

Ethan Hawke plays the system-beater according to the cue of the story, always below the surface, and always with a "looking-behind-the-shoulder" aura. But the show is actually stolen by Jude Law, his Identity Giver and an ex-wonder "gene holder", who has to daily swallow his bitterness while trying to make what he thinks as best out of the situation. Uma Thurman is rather confined to the backround in the story, making Gattaca primarily a two-actor film. But this never undermines the force of this movie, instead it helps emphasize the story even more.

Incredibly poetic, especially the ending, and melancholically romantic, Gattaca is a tremendous film the full impact of which catches up with you after it's finished. Great on all levels with the slight exception of the love affair between Hawke and Thurman which doesn't serve much really but that does little to undermine the overall picture.
Essential for the sci-fi oriented and fans of intelligent cinema alike.