Gattaca (1997)

[Krystal]

I like her act in Gattaca, although I haven't seen her before so for me that was the first movie of her.

Krystal

 

[Kanazaka]

I really liked this movie when I saw it in a movie theater, and almost as much when I saw it the second time. I especially liked Jude Law's performance and the ending, as well as the fact that the filmmakers created a fleshed-out, believable world on a rather small budget. Some of my other favorite scenes: the race between Vincent and his brother and the moment when the flower blows out of Vincent's hand.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Gattaca

Finally watched Gattaca - excellent film.

I was expecting something far more dark and brooding, instead of the hopeful psychological drama that it actually was.

Also - no real violence to speak of in the film - no gunfights, no battles, no car chases - but an excellent underlying tension throughout, which was refreshing to see as it worked really well.

 

[Paradox 99]

Re: Gattaca

Thanks for the tip. It's a film I've been planning to see for a while but hadn't got round to it. I'll double my efforts now.

 

[GOLLUM]

Re: Gattaca

I saw this film some time back and quite enjoyed it, one of the better films aruond.

 

[Shoegaze99]

Re: Gattaca

Certainly one of the underrated films of the 90s, not just within the genre, but beyond. It’s an intelligently written film that, save for a few unnecessary voiceovers, does not beat you over the head with its message, grappling with the genetic issue in a way only science fiction can do.

At the same time Gatacca manages to be a solid piece of filmmaking, science fiction elements aside – well-acted, beautifully shot and paced perfectly. There are a few punches thrown in a scene midway through the film, but beyond that we have science fiction with no laser guns or aliens or other space opera elements. It’s effective because we can believe.

Gatacca is a very good example of what science fiction can do when Hollywood drops its fascination with trying to create the next Star Wars. I love Star Wars, always have, but I’ll take one Gatacca over two dozen Super Action Adventure Roaring Spaceships And Dazzling Fights science fiction film any. Day. Of. The. Week.

 

[Winters_Sorrow]

Re: Gattaca

I really like this movie, mainly for the premise that your genetic coding will form the basis for your future life and you will be excluded from certain career options purely on that basis. I´m a sucker for these types of `future shock´ movies anyway though
Glad you enjoyed it, Brian.

 

[dreamwalker]

Re: Gattaca

Glad you liked it, when i was first saw it, I didn't appriciate all the pluses, eg the superb photography, acting, actors, story, script, soundtrack etc. I honestly thought at the time it was slow paced and everything revoled around a single issuse - the genetics. There wasn't much else in terms of "the future" and other things that would affect our lives.

but now, older and wiser, I have come to recognise that its focus on one issuse was its strength as it delt with an asepct of genetics thoughly and thoughtfully and as a piece of film, all the curical aspects where covered.

 

[Teir]

Re: Gattaca

I loved this film. Ive probably seen it about 5/6 times as school has shown it to me for a variety of subjects and reasons over the years (everything from a sci-fi course in english to an ethics course in religious education )
Its one of those films I personly can watch a number of times without damaging the experience. The idea is fantastic and solid with messages that can be applied to so many contexts in life. And besides it was thoroughly entertaining
(Plus I love Jude Law. Eugene was my favourite part )

 

[Anthony G Williams]

Yet another film which I finally got around to seeing after meaning to for many years.

For those unfamiliar with the plot, it is set in a not-too-far distant future in which children's genetic make-up can be adjusted at conception, a process routinely done by those who can afford it. This is not just to avoid any genetic disabilities but also to produce flawless people of superior all-round physical and mental ability. Such people, known as "valids", have huge advantages in life and are routinely appointed to the best jobs. But not everyone is born with such advantages - many are "in-valids". So what do you do if you have a burning desire to go on a mission to the outer planets, but lack the genetic superiority which is a basic requirement of being an astronaut? Particularly when instant genetic tests are carried out frequently at workplaces, as a matter of routine?

This is the problem facing the protagonist Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke). He finds a way of tricking the tests with the aid of a crippled valid whose identity he takes, and is duly selected for a forthcoming space mission. But he lives in constant fear of discovery; a situation exacerbated when he becomes involved with a colleague (Uma Thurman, so glossily perfect that she seems alien). Then a murder occurs at his workplace and an intense investigation follows in which he becomes the prime suspect. Will he be able to survive this and take his place on the mission?

Gattaca succeeds on three levels: it's a gripping thriller, relying on psychological tension rather than car chases or explosions; it foreshadows issues around human genetic manipulation which are likely to be with us in reality all too soon; and it is a human story of a fight for identity and achievement over and above that which is written in the genes. The direction is restrained and the film has a pared-down minimalist feel without an unnecessary scene or word; the score by Michael Nyman complements it perfectly. I am not a fan of dystopias, which is basically what this film portrays, but it is still one of the best SF movies I've ever seen.

(An extract from my SFF blog)

 

[Connavar]

I saw this film again last night and every time i see it gets better. Its very human story and neat little show of a near future sf world.

So stylish,social important sf story that i wish PKD films looked like that,written,acted like that instead being Arnold,Affleck films..

Also the characters was dressed like the story was written in 60s and a 50s,60s writer view on future clothes.

Also important how scary Eugenics is when i saw a documentary that said 10 000s in US already go to places that in part decide the genes pre-birth.

 

[woodsman]

Loved it. This is the sort of thing that scares me, much more than 'horror'. It's so very believable. The 'twist' was a little obvious I guess, but I really enjoy a slower paced film which puts some ideas across yet in an unlaboured way.

Agree Conn, it does feel a little bit Dickian, the characters probably aren't moody enough though...

 

[Rodders]

It's been a hell of a long time since i saw this, but i do remember it being a pretty decent one. I'll need to try and dig it out and have another look.