Gattaca Instant

In the pantheon of great science fiction cinema, there is a distinct divide. On one side, there are films of spectacle—spaceships, laser battles, and alien invasions. On the other side, there are films of ideas. Since its release in 1997, Andrew Niccol’s directorial debut, Gattaca , has reigned supreme in the latter category. It is a movie that traded CGI explosions for atmospheric tension, and futuristic gadgets for a sobering look at the human spirit.

Jerome represents the psychological trap of perfection. He achieved second place in a swimming competition. For a Valid, second place is a disgrace; it implies a flaw in the genetic code. He cannot accept that random chance (a bad start, a gust of wind) could interfere with his "perfect" design. gattaca