Gattaca (DVD)

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"There is no gene for the human spirit."
--"Gattaca" poster tagline

DNA (deoxy-ribonucleic acid) is the sequence of genetic code that is found in every living thing on Earth. Guanidine, Adenosine, Thymidine, and Cytidine are the names of the four nucleotides that form the basic building blocks of all DNA. Usually shortened to their first letters G, A, T, and C, a combination of the abbreviations of these nucleotides also happen make up the title of the highly acclaimed sci-fi film "Gattaca". Is this a coincidence? Hardly.

"Gattaca" was released in 1997, when the notion of gene manipulation and cloning were not only buzzwords used in science fiction novels and films but were also close to becoming a reality. Scientific progress in the field of genetics back in 1997 was apparent. Dolly the sheep was cloned a year earlier, and the Human Genome Project was well underway. With advances in genetics moving at warp speed, the vision of a society governed by the quality of one´s genes no longer belongs in the realm of science fiction. The nightmare scenario about which privacy advocates have been warning us is on the verge of coming true in just a few years. How would you react when you are not judged by your actions but by what your genetic imprint says you might be able to accomplish? It´s a scary thought indeed, and "Gattaca" confronts this ominous future head-on with its own version of a "utopian" society that is both pure and dark at the same time.

The idea behind "Gattaca" is deceptively simple. It is set in the not-too-distant-future, a time when human genetic engineering is prevalent and encouraged. A person´s DNA is not only the single most important piece of identification but also a barometer of one´s social status and "worth" to society. The local geneticist now plays the role of God and serves as a one-stop shop for prospective parents looking to procreate. Apart from mulling over mundane choices like the sex or the color of the eyes of the baby, parents can also request that specific genes (like ones for serious diseases and physical defects) to be "turned off". Granted, the union of a set of chromosomes from each parent may not yield the best possible genetic result, but this process ensures that only the best traits inherited from each parent are activated in the child.

As in any society, there are two sides to every coin. Conceiving a child with the help of science may be the most desirable and logical thing to do, but there are some who prefer to take a chance and let Mother Nature cast dice to decide their children´s future. To be a child who is conceived the "natural" way would be like being born with a scientific scarlet letter already embedded in one´s cells. It is a lifetime curse that is not removable by any means possible. As a result, the world of "Gattaca" is neatly divided into two halves: the genetically engineered and the "In-Valids". "In-Valids" (get it?) are hired for menial jobs, while the genetically "Valids" play the more important roles in society. As to be expected, the stage is now set for conventional wisdom to take a backseat and to let Mother Nature take the wheel on the road to redemption.

"Gattaca" tells the story of Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), a love child born with so many flaws in his DNA profile that he can get no further than being a part of the cleaning crew at Gattaca, a prestigious space missions corporation. Gattaca´s admission requirements are extremely high with consideration only given to the genetically engineered. Ever since he was young, Vincent has always dream of traveling to the stars. In order to fulfill his dream, Vincent not only has to find a way to win admission into Gattaca´s space program, but he also has to battle his own parents´ propensity to favor his genetically superior younger brother, Anton. Vincent and his brother now find themselves standing on opposing sides in the constant struggle between the haves and the have-nots. The turning point for Vincent arrives when he surprisingly beat his brother in a swimming challenge that tests both their physical and mental abilities. Demonstrating a newfound determination to overcome his own self-doubts and society´s lack of respect for others like him, Vincent sets off on his own to pursue his dream.

To put it simply, possessing superior genetic code is virtually a ticket to a better life. For those who are lucky enough to be blessed with high-quality genes, getting a lucrative-paying job is almost guaranteed. Official government policy states that discrimination against one´s genes, called "genoism", is prohibited. However, no one takes this policy seriously, and it is common practice for employers to take an illegal peek into a prospective job applicant´s DNA profile before even meeting him or her. Resumes can be manipulated, but your genes don´t lie.

However, there are rare instances when some "Valids" are unable to fulfill their obligation to society, and their genetic identities become valued commodities for the unscrupulous--opportunities for identity switches. Jerome Morrow (Jude Law) finds himself in this sort of predicament. With an IQ and a life expectancy that are off the charts, Jerome is quite possibly the best of the best. Unfortunately for him, Jerome was crippled in a car accident and is definitely not in any physical condition to live up to his high potential. In order to carry on with his luxurious lifestyle, Jerome has to find someone to assume his identity. Through the services of an identity broker (played brilliantly, albeit briefly, by Tony Shalhoub), Jerome is matched with Vincent in this illegal venture.

In an elaborate deception scheme, the broker sets out to transform Vincent into Jerome. Every transformation has to be meticulously carried out. Remembering that DNA can be found in every single cell on the body, Vincent goes through a ritual cleansing everyday in order to remove excess skin cells and body hair that might betray his real identity. Faced with identity checks throughout the day, Vincent uses samples of Jerome´s blood, urine, and skin cells to thwart them. Just in case someone wants to check up on Vincent´s DNA profile covertly, Vincent also plants Jerome´s hair and skin cells in various places throughout the Gattaca building.

After a few years of successful deception, Vincent is finally on the verge of having his dream come true. He is slated to fly on a mission to Titan, Saturn´s largest moon, when something happens that puts his painstakingly created persona in jeopardy. The Mission Director at Gattaca is murdered, and suddenly, the whole place is crawling with cops searching for clues. Eventually, Vincent´s DNA turn up in the sweep, and all his lies and deceptions are pushed to the brink of exposure. Vincent however, fights against this discriminatory system and tries his best to prove it wrong. While the murder mystery serves as a catalyst that threatens to unravel Vincent´s deception, it fortunately doesn´t sidetrack the main storyline from its intended course.