On G List of Movie Reviews
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Gattaca (1997)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
12/15, 12/17, 12/20
12/15:
I knew about Gattaca in 1997 but avoided watching it for years because I didn't like the idea of a possibly weird
sci-fi movie.
It's good thing that I did because Gattaca is an undisputable, thought-provoking masterpiece about the future, and
the wait has been well worth it. Born to play the role of Vincent Anton Freeman, Ethan Hawke gives a terrific performance
and makes the most of his thespic potential. His co-star Jude Law gives him a nice supporting hand and is as equally
impressive.
Uma Thurman matches Ethan Hawke's brilliance scene for scene and shows why she was a talented actress during the 90's.
Xander Berkeley has a few classic moments that add more to the film's specialness along with a smart script at the hands of
New Zealander Andrew Niccol. It's always nice to see Alan Arkin in anything.
Buoyed by Ethan Hawke's performance, the story is what makes Gattaca so interesting to watch that it almost
transcends the sci-fi genre and steps into the "human spirit" territory. The feel is less of sci-fi but more of
neo-noir, taking advantage of some of the most appetizing yet minimalist in/exteriors, with a surprise twist at
the end.
All in all, Ethan Hawke has been chronically an underwhelming performer, but in Gattaca, he's beyond brilliant whose
character overcomes long odds to achieve his goals, hence the tagline: "There is no gene for the human spirit."
12/17:
Gattaca holds up well, and it's still a brilliant sci-fi picture.
The attention to details is breathtaking, and the cinematography is sumptuous. There's nothing flashy about anything. Even
better is the gripping story which makes it easy for me to get into the film. The plot twist is unexpected yet is a nice
treat.
Ethan Hawke is perfect as the lead character. Uma Thurman and Jude Law complement him perfectly. Alan Arkin and Xander
Berkeley are the more the merrier. It's true that "there is no gene for the human spirit." It's what Gattaca is about.
All in all, Gattaca is a top ten must-see sci-fi picture.
12/20:
One of the best sci-fi pictures, Gattaca is brilliantly made that embodies the human spirit.
Ethan Hawke was born for the role of Vincent Anton Freeman. Uma Thurman and Jude Law are nothing short of magnificent just
like the cinematography. Xander Berkeley finds a way to be special for a few minutes.
The story is absorbing to follow which is the film's drawing power. After it's over, I look at the tagline of the poster,
and it all makes sense: "There's no gene for the human spirit." Hence, even people with imperfections can still make most of
their lives despite the availiability of genetic engineering to create a seemingly perfect race. That's why many with special
needs manage to do well in life, regardless of their disabilities. Eugenics was tried in Nazi Germany, and it didn't work,
depriving the country of brainpower when the intelligentsia fled to the United States, making it the envy of the world.
All in all, Gattaca continues to be overlooked by many and deserves recognition as one of the best films in
the sci-fi genre.