Example Essay
Topic Question:
Analyse how techniques were used to appeal to the viewer’s imagination.
In the film Gattaca by Andrew Niccol, techniques are used to appeal to


the viewer’s imagination by helping the reader understand the idea

discrimination. Techniques that portray this theme are camera work,

lighting and costume.
Film name and director
Key words of topic
question
Answer/response to
topic question.
The three
points/techniques in
support of
response/answer.
Camera work is significant to appeal to the viewer’s imagination and
understanding of discrimination. The main character Vincent, is an
‘invalid’ and is seen as inferior in society because he is a ‘god child’ and
has been genetically engineered and this is supported by camera work.
Main body paragraph one based
around the first technique from
the into.
Student uses key words of topic
question throughout.
We know he is discriminated against in society because he is viewed
from a high angle such as in the flashback which reveals his true
‘invalid’ identity and how he was looked down upon for not having
Supporting example of
technique.
engineered genetics such as the interviewer when Vincent applies for a
job. He is subjected to ‘genoism’. This shows that he is inferior, small
What example shows,
explanation of example.
and weak. However when Vincent ‘borrows’ Jerome’s genetic identity
Second example.
he is viewed from a low angle because the Gattaca society believe he is
Explanation of second example.
genetically engineered and therefore is accepted rather than
discriminated against. The director’s purpose of camera work is to show
the discrimination in this not-too-distant future. The camera makes us
Analysing comments focusing on
director’s purpose.
look down at those who are invalid and look up at those who are valid.
However, Niccol also shows us that anyone can change their situation
like Vincent. We don’t have to let discrimination rule our lives.
Lighting is also used to appeal to the viewer’s imagination as it again
gives us a visual image of the discrimination in the future world of
Gattaca. For example, this is shown in the opening scene which is done
in blue lighting which creates a sense of mystery and coldness. It later
becomes apparent that the light is UV light which detects human
particles. This light is important because Vincent needs to dispose of his
particles in order to protect his true identity so that he is not
Main body paragraph TWO
based around the second
technique from the into.
Student uses key words of topic
question throughout.
Supporting example of
technique. A description
What example shows,
explanation of example.
discriminated against for having the wrong genetics and so that he is not
kicked of the mission. Also throughout the movie a black shadow is cast
upon the ‘invalids’ which shows that they should be kept in the shadows
Second example.
of society as they are insignificant and cannot contribute positively
towards society, illustrating discrimination. In the round up scene a
Explanation of second example.
caged shadow is cast upon the ‘invalids’ which symbolises they cannot
escape discrimination and they are trapped. This appeals to the viewer’s
imagination as it creates a visual link between the round of the ‘invalids’
Analysing comments focusing on
a link to the world (history)
in Gattaca and the Jews in World War Two. This helps the reader to
imagine the intensity the discrimination is in the Gattaca society by
linking it with a well-known event in history.
Finally costume is used to show the discrimination in the Gattaca society
which appeals to the viewer’s imagination because it allows us to
visualise the discrimination. The ‘valid’s’ are dressed in smooth black or
dark coloured suits to emphasis the dull, lifeless characters which lack
Main body paragraph THREE
based around the third
technique from the into.
Student uses key words of topic
question throughout.
Supporting example of
technique. A description.
personality. They are identically dressed and walk the same way to show
they are identical and similar to clones. Their hair is immaculate and they
have a tidy complexion without glasses symbolising that their costume
gives a sense of perfection. Costuming is a reflection of the genetics of
the characters in society. On the other hand ‘invalids’ look shabby due to
What example shows,
explanation of example.
Second example.
loose, baggy and dirt like clothing. This shows that they are portrayed as
Explanation of second example.
mud and should be isolated as they are polluted by imperfect genetics
and are incapable of self-presentation. They have glasses due to vision
problems as well other health issues, untidy hair and scruffy facial
complexions which symbolise imperfections amongst their genetics. This
appeals to the viewer’s imagination because costume alone shows who
Analysing comments: the
student links back to the
statement.
are the discriminated against characters in the Gattaca society.
The director’s purpose of using camera work, lighting and costume was
to show how discriminatory society is and the treatment the ‘invalid’s’
are subjected too.
Conclusion: sum up of essay.