Discussion Piece - Gattaca
Is science our savior or captor? Gattaca propels us into a world where the triumphs and
perils of genetic manipulation intertwine. In this discussion we will navigate the delicate
balance between scientific progress and the crux of what it means to be human.
Gattaca (1997) by Andrew Niccol is set in a future where genetic engineering has
dominated every aspect of life. Genetic engineering is a process that uses laboratory
based technology to alter the DNA makeup of an organism [1]. Gattaca encapsulates
the positive aspects of scientific progression through medical advancements but also
forewarns of potential repercussions. This discussion piece will dive further into the
representation of science and the concept of genetic manipulation, analysing the
dynamic between hope and limitation, ambition and discrimination.
Gattaca illustrates a captivating world where science is the driving force of progression
and essential to ones development. Showcased in genetic engineering being able to
eliminate hereditary diseases and disabilities [2], science has allowed many individuals
to overcome some of life’s harsh misfortunes, as genetic diseases can be possibly
corrected by replacing dysfunctional genes with healthy functioning genes [4]. Genetic
mutations are responsible for many diseases such as down syndrome and Duchenne
muscular dystrophy [5]. This is characterised in our protagonist Vincent Freeman, who
struggles with a fatal heart condition. There is little to be done about these diseases but
in Gattaca the parents, through genetic engineering and selection, are able to ensure
desired characteristics and minimise the risk of genetic disorders. Scientific genome
editing technology such as CRISPR-CAS9 has allowed researches to customise a living
organism’s genetic sequence by making specific changes to its DNA [4]. This is
emphasised in the juxtaposition of Vincent and his brother, his younger brother
representing the benefits genetic engineering, whilst Vincent it crutched by his “inferior
genes”. Hence through the contrasting representations of Vincent and his brother,
Niccol encapsulates the benefits of genetic engineering to improve life quality.
In its cautionary depiction, Gattaca explores the dark side of science and the dangers of
genetic determinism. The film raises various ethical concerns through the portrayal of
discrimination and social division stemming from the desires of genetic perfection. The
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dangers of genetic determinism is exemplified where individuals are labeled and
confined to predetermined roles based on their genetic makeup. This builds upon the
societal desires of genetic perfection as geneticist remove minor details such as
premature baldness and being left handed. This is described as choosing a “Designer
Baby”, as the parents are “playing God with human life”[6] treating their children as
commodities emphasised in the term “designer”. The film underscores the
dehumanising consequences of reducing an individuals identity to just there genetic
makeup, creating a world that values genetic superiority above all else. The
characterisation of Jerome Eugene Morrow embodies the negative repercussions of a
society where deviations from perfection leads to personal worthlessness. leading to a
sense of isolation, depression and ultimately his suicide.
As such Gattaca masterfully balances the positive and negative aspects of science, by
sheds light upon the potential benefits of scientific progression and repercussions of
social discrimination, highlighting the importance of human identity and struggle.
Gattaca (1997) recognises the role of genetic advancements in improving human
wellbeing. However through its radical representation for perfection as “we have
enough imperfection built in already”, it emphasises that genetic potential alone does
not determine an individual’s worth. Vincent’s triumph over genetic discrimination
encapsulates the human spirit surpassing societal expectations. Vincent is subjected to
a janitorial position, and as the audience we watch as Vincent rises through to higher
positions breaking the societal expectations placed upon him, constantly subjected to
DNA testing. Although discrimination from employers and insurance companies on the
sole basis of an individuals genetic makeup is illegal under the Genetic Information
Non-discrimination Act [3], and within Gattaca, these laws become increasingly more
redundant as genetic information becomes readily available and significant in society.
Gattaca is an organisation which its success is built upon the utilisation of the most
genetically gifted individuals. This causes the audience to question if there is truth in
superior genetics leading to success. However this is contrasted in characterisation of
Vincent and his journey to overcome his struggles. Although having “inferior genetics”
Vincent strives far past all expectations due to his perseverance cultivated in his
childhood and his experience of lingering guilt feeling responsible for this brother’s near
drowning incident shaping his determination to prove himself. This is juxtaposed in the
characterisation of Jerome Eugene Morrow and his battle with worthlessness and
depression never able to meet the expectations placed upon him and his own
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expectations despite his genes. As such Niccol uses science to emphasises the
importance of human identity and how human struggle can serve to benefit or detriment
an individual.
Gattaca(1997) is a cautionary film of the despite the various positive impacts that
science and scientist can provide, ultimately if abused can lead to many repercussions
to society. Genetic engineering can serve to improve human wellbeing eliminating the
amount of individuals subjected to diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy
vastly improving their quality of life. However when bought to an extreme leads to
individuals to face societal discrimination due to a perceived lower worth and self
worthlessness if unable to meet those expectations imposed on them. This illuminates
the importance of human nature, and the role of determination and perseverance. As
such through this portrayal of good and bad, Niccol incites within the audience to
question their own roles in the development and implementation of science within
society.
References
Gattaca. (1997). [film] Directed by A. Niccol. Columbia Pictures, Jersey Films.
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). (2018). Specific Genetic
Disorders.[1]
Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Sickle Cell Disease [2]
Genetics Home Reference. (2018). What are genome editing and CRISPR-Cas9? [3]
Adam, A. (2023). Genetic Engineering.[4]
Health Direct. (2020). Genetic Disorders [5]
Viktoriya. S. (2022) Genetic Engineering: Is it Etherical? [6]
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