Movie review: Gattaca (1997)

I had heard a lot about it but never took the time to watch it, until two colleagues strongly recommended it to me. A fine recommendation, truly!

The cinematography, acting, even plot (including plot twists) were very good. I especially loved the evolving relationship between the two Jeromes, the constant tension for Vincent living under cover and dark, quiet visuals that reminded me of Dark City (1998, mind you).

Only one thing really mars it: the universe. You see, "eugenics" has been for a long time one of those though-terminating concepts that trigger an immediate and irrational emotional response precluding any kind of nuance or intellectual challenge from Hollywood.

I feel like I'm being treated as a teenager when watching this, as if I couldn't understand that Vincent's life being pre-ordained is a tragic consequence yet the system itself has undeniable advantages and deserves a fair look at. The discrimination being so heavy handed is yet another consequence of that: I can easily picture it happening, but not being that strongly weaved into the judiciary system or being reduced to "only peon jobs for you, lol", clearly trying to draw parallels to racism like so many low-brow US movies.

One or two scenes where Jerome sincerely ponders whether the system's faults and his lone case are worth the complete eradication of genetic diseases and conditions - maybe when talking with Gattaca's doctor during the last scene - and admits it probably is would have been a breath of fresh air, really.