GATTACA
You will be watching the movie GATTACA for several days in class. Please read
through these questions before you answer them. The following questions and
essays will be worth a lab grade. The following questions are 4 points each.
1. What is the significance of the letters that are highlighted at the beginning
credits of the movie?
2. What does Jerome (Vincent) place on the comb at his workstation?
3. Why do you think Vincent’s father decided to name him Vincent Anton rather
than Anton?
4. What is Jerome’s (Vincent’s) life expectancy?
5. List two ways that the society portrayed in the movie routinely ‘reads’ a person’s
genetic profile.
6. What is the name given to discriminate against people because of their genetic
profile?
7. What major surgery did Vincent have to enhance his genetic “imperfections?”
8. What 3 things did Vincent do every day to prepare to pass as Jerome Morrow at
GATTACA?
9. What color was Jerome’s medal?
10. Even though Jerome is genetically perfect, what are his three imperfections.
11. What was unusual about the piano player when Jerome (Vincent) and Irene go
to a concert?
12. Who does the detective leading the murder investigation turn out to be?
13. When Anton asks Vincent, “How are you doing this” how does Vincent answer?
14. Why do you think Lamar’s son was a “big fan” of Vincent?
15. There was a lot of symbolism in this movie especially with ladders and
stairways. Explain this symbolism and give an example of how it related to
Vincent and Jerome specifically.
Choose two of the following quotes from the movie and explain its importance
and who said it/why. These two answers are worth 5 points each.
“There is no gene for the human spirit”
“There’s no gene for fate”
“I was never more certain of how far away I was from my goal than I was standing
right beside it”
“My real resume is in my cells”
Choose one of the following themes and discuss it in a paragraph. This question
is worth 30 points.
A. Perfection vs. happiness: Wouldn’t every parent want to ensure that their child
was perfect and had the attributes of physical attractiveness, intelligence, and
athleticism to be able to do whatever he or she wanted in life? Why is the
society portrayed in this film so devoid of happiness, vitality and fun?
B. The human spirit: Anyone can overcome great adversity and there is no gene for
the human spirit. Vincent’s imperfections and strong will to live chase after his
goals. Jerome’s perfection, lack of desire, addiction and depression.
C. Genetic engineering: The moral and ethical issues surrounding the
manipulation of genes. The consequences of humans tampering with DNA.
D. Human frailty vs. inhuman imperfection: Vincent compared to his brother.
Vincent compared to Jerome. Irene’s heart problem. How does society view
them? How do they view themselves?
E. Symbiotic relationship between Jerome and Vincent: Both men’s lives depend
on each other. What do they need from each other? What do each of them get
out of the relationship?