Gattaca Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A myopic dude with a bum ticker cons his way into NASA by pretending to be a paralyzed Olympic swimmer, proving that hard work beats good genes unless you’re competing in the actual Olympics.

🍿 Gattaca: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A World Defined by Genetics

In a near-future society, genetic engineering dictates social status. ‘Valids,’ genetically enhanced individuals, hold positions of power, while ‘In-Valids,’ naturally born, face discrimination. Vincent Freeman, an In-Valid, dreams of space travel, a goal deemed impossible due to his genetic inferiority.

Assuming a New Identity

Driven by his ambition, Vincent secures the identity of Jerome Morrow, a Valid athlete paralyzed in an accident. He undergoes surgery, wears contacts, and meticulously manipulates samples to deceive genetic testing. He gains employment at Gattaca Aerospace Corporation, inching closer to his dream.

Murder and Suspicion

Just before Vincent’s mission to Titan, a Gattaca director is murdered. An eyelash with Vincent’s In-Valid DNA is found at the scene, triggering an investigation. Vincent must evade authorities while maintaining his facade, putting his mission and his relationship with co-worker Irene Cassini at risk.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke): An ‘in-valid’ man who dreams of space travel and assumes the identity of a genetically superior individual to achieve his goals.
• Jerome Morrow (Jude Law): A genetically superior but physically disabled former athlete who provides Vincent with his identity in exchange for support.
• Irene Cassini (Uma Thurman): A Gattaca employee and Vincent’s love interest, who is also considered genetically inferior due to a heart condition.
• Anton Freeman (Loren Dean): Vincent’s genetically superior brother, who is a detective investigating the murder at Gattaca and becomes obsessed with uncovering Vincent’s deception.
• Lamar (Xander Berkeley): A Gattaca doctor who knows Vincent’s true identity but allows him to proceed with his mission, sympathizing with his ambition.
• Director Josef (Gore Vidal): The director of Gattaca who murders the mission director to ensure the mission proceeds, revealing the lengths to which the genetically obsessed society will go to achieve their goals.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vincent: “I never saved anything for the swim back.” – Vincent explains to his brother Anton how he was always able to beat him in their swimming contests, illustrating his relentless determination.
• Jerome: “I only lent you my body. You lent me your dream.” – Jerome acknowledges that Vincent gave him a purpose in life, even though Vincent was the one who physically benefited from Jerome’s genetic identity.
• Lamar: “For future reference, right-handed men don’t hold it with their left.” – Dr. Lamar reveals he knew Vincent’s secret all along but allowed him to pass the DNA test because his son admires Vincent.
• Vincent: “There is no gene for fate.” – The tagline of the movie, emphasising the over arching theme.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $36M
• Domestic Gross: $12.5M
• Worldwide Gross: $12.5M

💥 Gattaca Reviews

Personal Review

Gattaca got me thinking about my own dreams. I felt like a kid, wanting to escape and become a better version of myself. I was so moved by Vincent’s dedication. The scene where he talks about ‘not saving anything for the swim back’ gave me chills. It’s not just a sci-fi movie but an anthem for chasing your dreams and not letting anyone tell you what you can’t do. I have rewatched it so many times!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Sci-fi fans”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary”
  • “Fans of Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law”
  • “Individuals who enjoy thought-provoking stories”
  • “Those who appreciate films about overcoming adversity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Implied suicide”
  • “Discussions of genetic discrimination”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Gattaca delivers a chilling vision of a future where genetic engineering dictates social standing. Hawke and Law deliver captivating performances, exploring themes of prejudice and the indomitable human spirit. Visually striking and intellectually stimulating.
• Variety: “A visually stunning and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller. Though the plot occasionally meanders, the performances and themes of genetic determinism make it a compelling watch. Hawke shines as the determined Vincent.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Gattaca explores the dangers of genetic obsession with elegance and intelligence. While the romance feels underdeveloped, the film’s overall message about the human spirit resonates deeply. A stylish and thought-provoking experience.

Audience Reactions

The film’s exploration of genetic discrimination is both thought-provoking and terrifying.: Viewers praised the film’s intelligence, performances, and stylish visuals.

Ethan Hawke and Jude Law’s performances are outstanding and elevate the film.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s commentary on social issues and the power of the human spirit.

Overall Consensus: Gattaca is a stylish and intelligent sci-fi film that explores themes of genetic discrimination and the resilience of the human spirit. Though the pacing might be slow for some, the thought-provoking story and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

1. Catalonian International Film Festival (Best Film)- 1997

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The name ‘Gattaca’ is formed from the letters G, A, T, and C, which represent guanine, adenine, thymine, and cytosine, the four nucleotide bases of DNA.”
• “The Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael, California, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, was used as the Gattaca headquarters, contributing to the film’s distinctive retro-futuristic aesthetic.”
• “Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke met and began their relationship during the filming of Gattaca, eventually marrying in 1998.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gattaca?

Gattaca is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options as availability may vary. For physical copies, search Amazon or visit major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gattaca, you might like these similar films:

• Blade Runner (1982): Both films explore the themes of identity, genetic engineering, and what it means to be human in a dystopian future.
• Minority Report (2002): Deals with themes of technology controlling human destiny in a futuristic dystopian society, though with a more action-oriented approach.
• Children of Men (2006): Presents a bleak future where human reproduction is threatened, raising questions about the value of life and the will to survive.
• Dark City (1998): Retro-futuristic thriller with a noir feel exploring identity, memory, and manipulation of reality.

🛒 Gattaca Related Products

• Gattaca (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: This limited-edition Blu-ray features exclusive behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and insightful commentary from the director and cast. A must-have for serious fans.
• Gattaca: A Novel: Dive deeper into the world of Gattaca with the official novelization. Experience the story through expanded narratives and explore the characters’ inner thoughts and struggles.
• There is No Gene For Fate Poster: High-quality print of the movie’s promotional poster. High-quality print is 24×36 inches and would look excellent in a home movie viewing room.
• Gattaca Genetics Board Game: The ultimate Gattaca gaming experience that immerses players in the world of genetic engineering. Genetic traits are selected and the ultimate astronaut is chosen from players’ choices.

🎧 Soundtrack

Gattaca features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Morrow” – performed by Michael Nyman
• “Impromptu in G Major” – performed by Franz Schubert
• “The Departure” – performed by Michael Nyman
• “Nuages” – performed by Django Reinhardt

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gattaca Recap

Curious about the movie Gattaca? This video gives you a great recap of the movie’s plot in just 16 minutes. It’s like a cheat sheet for understanding the story and its main themes.

Gattaca: The Swim Back

If you loved the movie Gattaca, you’ll appreciate this analysis of one of its most powerful scenes. It explores the themes of determination, sacrifice, and the lengths we’ll go to achieve our dreams.

Gattaca: Humanity Will Out

After watching Gattaca, have you ever wondered about the ethical questions it raises? This video delves into the movie’s themes of genetic discrimination and the power of human determination. It’s a thought-provoking watch that’s sure to make you question your own beliefs.

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