Review: Gattaca Is Far From The Classic Some Claim It To Be.
- Apr 8, 2017
- 2 min read
For years I've been barraged with tales of Gattaca's greatness. I was told it was one of the greatest science fiction films ever, the best of the 90's, a film with few equals. So I made a mistake. I watched a movie that couldn't possibly live up to the hype.
Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) was born, unlike many others, naturally. He is genetically inferior to those that surround him, including his own brother, a genetically engineered individual whose DNA has been manipulated to make him the perfect son. For years Vincent lived his life ignored, looked over, pushed to the side and marginalised. One day he gets his chance. Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a superior individual, has recently become crippled. Together they form an arrangement, Jerome will live quietly and Vincent will assume his identity. But when a high ranking scientist is murdered and genetic security is tight, how long can Vincent remain hidden?
Gattaca isn't a bad movie, in fact it's pretty decent, but the best sci-fi movie of the 90's, one of the best of all time? Not even close. It has an interesting concept, solid acting and nice visuals. What it lacks is decent use of everything it has. What could have been a genetic Minority Report quickly becomes a standard crime mystery. The actual genetic component of the story and the world has very little impact on the finished film, instead simply being a nice concept that is never fully utilised.
Ethan Hawke delivers a great performance, arguably one of the best of his career, and he fully portrays all aspects of his character. The rivalry between him and his brother feels real, as does the world which they inhabit. Uma Thurman is also in this movie, once again making me question how she ever got an acting career because she's really not very good.
I would recommend watching Gattaca if you haven't seen it but make sure you go in with an empty slate. Don't believe the hype, if you do, prepare to be disappointed. It's a good movies but it's far from wat you've heard it is.
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