it becomes a disadvantage for those people who have been categorized as “invalid.

” And
at the end of the movie, it gave me such a motivation, “the perseverance and the totality
of one’s being is not and will never be defined by the human gene.”

The main protagonist of the movie was Vincent Freeman, a person who is born
without the modification using reproductive technology that made him live as an ordinary
and low profile, simply as an “invalid” one. Unlike his younger brother, Anton Freeman,
his physical attribute and health condition have caused him to not experience all the
opportunities attained by his brother who embodied all the desirable traits of his parents.
As times passed by, Vincent tries to pursue his dream career in Gattaca Aerospace
Corporation to fulfill his goal of traveling the outer space. However, his distinction in
society for being an inferior became a hindrance for him to achieve his dream. This results
in him applying for “low-class jobs” like being a cleaner in the corporation. But later on,
he still chases his desire as he believes that his genetic classification should not be an
obstruction. He decided to use the “valid” gene characteristics of Jerome Eugene Morrow,
who is currently paralyzed due to a suicide attempt. For this to happen, Vincent embodies
the identity of Eugene to make him appear as a “valid” one; it includes using the name
Jerome, changing the eye color, increasing the height, and other physical features that
would make him look Eugene. This helped him to obtain work in Gattaca Aerospace
Corporation, but it becomes difficult for him to maintain the integrity and accuracy of his
identity. Then one day, a murder case arises inside the corporation, where he became a
suspect for the crime. Besides, he also builds a romantic relationship with Irene that was
observed throughout the film. And the ending leaves a gratifying scene, but a
heartbreaking moment at the same time.

As I watch the film, I have imagined a future world where genetic features vary the
same as in the movie. I am somehow frightened of positioning myself living in a society
where genetic discrimination occurs because I am not confident with my genes due to my
family's health background. Also, I think that this movie had successfully exhibit one of
their points which is to inform people regarding in-depth nature of science that consists
of ethical issues; maybe it was produced to introduce the concept of the genetic
engineering, as it continues to be one of the scientific discourses in the present time. It
entails the possible consequences and scenarios if the gene modification would be
utilized in the future, justifying the importance of preventing genetic discrimination from
occurring. Moreover, the film has made me believe that achieving one’s dream does not
depend in any conditions and standards set by the society, it is based on the amount of
effort and determination exerted to fulfill the ideal journey, as exemplified by Jerome
(Vincent). Thus, I think it should be watched by other people mostly today as science and
technology continue to flourish, where everyone needs to know the possible implications
of this flourishment. Besides, it reminds me of the movie Divergent movie series, wherein
social class discrimination was also observed like what Beatrice Prior experienced when
she joined the Dauntless due to the fact that she came from the Abnegation, and even
the other scenes that restrict and limit the roles of each factions.

For the analysis of this film, I would say that the formal techniques and thematic
content had successfully complemented each other to produce this iconic movie. Starting
from its cinematography that is observed excellently, as the lighting, focus, and camera
placement suits perfectly especially when showing the past events; the camera
movement is impeccable as well because it did not fail to deliver the suspense factor
when people are close to finding out Vincent’s true identity. Also, the editing of the movie
enhanced the coherence of the film due to the good transitions that helped me to follow
the plot of the movie; the good editing also reflects on the realistic Rocketship flights and
the other things that were not modified via editing, e.g. green screen editing. Further, the
mise-en-scène of the movie was impressive also, starting from its consistent settings
(both indoors and outdoors) that highlight every scene in the movie and provide the
viewers about how the life of the main characters revolve in the entire movie. Also, the
set of design adds to the futuristic setting of the movie as exhibited in Gattaca Aerospace
Corporation and the house/laboratory of Eugene that contributed to the execution of
different scenes. Likewise, the depth of space of the film was presented well as observed
from the placement of the characters, the supporting and the main, brought by the
appropriate camera lens used, and the location of the camera. Besides, the costumes
and make-up of the characters were well-suited to them especially in the protagonist,
Vincent, who has shown two appearances as Vincent and as Jerome, which did not fail
to support me distinguish who is who. Because of this, I easily noticed that Eugene looks
very drained for supplying Vincent his genetic samples such as blood, urine, etc. and
even the costumes and appearance of those “valid” were distinct from those who are
classified as “invalid.” Upon observing the sound of the film, the diegetic sound was clear
that emphasizes the detailed content of the film like the dialogue between Vincent and
Anton in the last part that somehow reveals the plot twist, same as with the non-diegetic
sound that improves the intensity and suspense of other scenes, wherein sound effects
were significantly used to justify the main point of each scene. Furthermore, as a person
who likes to watch sci-fi movies, I find it very interesting because even though it does not
contain action scenes that are commonly observed in a sci-fi movie, it has its way of giving
the viewers the content that as sci-fi movie must-have. This is supported by the narrative
of the story that gives a plot that might happen also in the future, as genetic engineering
prevails around the world in the present time. But apart from this, I like how the storyline
of the movie maintains different moods include sadness, love, anger, fear, and fulfillment.
In line with the applausive quality of these formal techniques, the thematic content of the
film was greatly emphasized and kept in control. The history in the movie was properly
presented, paving the way to fully understand the reason why and the actions how the
protagonist has reached the point of being Jerome, same as with the scenes showing the
competition and comparison with his younger brother who was born as “valid.” The class
in the movie was depicted as the "valid" and "invalid" status of a person which grants the
movie to justify the present genetic discrimination despite being part of the law. Likewise,
the environment affected the way I perceived the movie as it shows a scientifically and
technologically advanced society, wherein great opportunities are given only to those who
have superior genetic sequences as the product of reproductive technology.

Overall, the entire composition of the film including the director, cast, formal
techniques, thematic content, and the plot of the story worked harmoniously. I interpret
the movie as intriguing, yet inspiring based on my overall feeling for this movie. The major
point that I have acquired is how science and technology develop the standards in the
society that truly benefit many people but promotes genetic discrimination for those
people who do not have any privilege to experience reproductive technology before they
born. This shows the implications that might arise with the implementation of scientific
knowledge that is created for the “sake of good,” but does not secure a just society.
Further, though the physical attributes of a person may be modified through genetic
engineering, the human spirit, attitude, and affection will never be based on one’s genetic
sequence. And this is what the protagonist in the movie naturally embodies as he reached
his goal of exploring the outer space despite his invalidity and inferiority in the society.
Overall, I highly recommend this movie of Niccol, entitled Gattaca, as this would aid the
viewers to be more knowledgeable about the nature of science, and how should a person
overcome obstacles in life in the midst of a discriminative world.
Part 2

There are possibilities of illegal actions or rebels as what happened in the movie
because this exclusion that impedes the equal opportunity for everyone. It will just
promote an unjust society, wherein the only progressing people are those who are
“superior” in the eyes of the toxic standard of the society. Moreover, by excluding those
who are different could also result in taking away their chances to discover their other
potentials that require immense support from those who are greatly accepted in society.
What if the determination and perseverance that our world needed are only attributed by
a person classified as inferior?

Jerome is the one who has all the greatest genetic features that are highly
appreciated and envy by the majority in the movie. This attribute of him could acquire him
all quality opportunities that are not offered to “invalid” people, but he lacks motivation
and the human spirit as reflected from what happened after he lost the swimming
competition and attempted suicide. On the other hand, Vincent is considered as an
“invalid,” a person who is not qualified to be part of higher positions in the society for
having health issues and weak physical attributes, but embodies a great amount of
determination and perseverance that he used to fulfill his goal in life. Both characters
exhibit burdens that incomplete themselves; Jerome who has a burden of perfection and
Vincent who does not have a superior identity.

The resistance to new order imposed by the society is brought by the sense of
suppressing the discrimination present in the society. Vincent’s girlfriend, Irene, still
supports him because she knows the pure intentions of Vincent, which is to fulfill only his
dream which is only possible for “valid” people. On the other hand, I am amazed by how
the test technician permitted Vincent to take the flight even the screen revealed he is
“invalid.” This is because of the motivation that the test technician obtained from the
persistence of Vincent, which he also wishes for his son to overcome the genetic
discrimination in the society and experience things that seem impossible for an “invalid”
person. Thus, there are still people who could resist this kind of order as they observe the
inequality that is experienced by the people who are born without gene modification.
 The wrong with the society portrayed in Gattaca is the genetic discrimination
dictated by the status of being a “valid” or “invalid.” Many opportunities are not offered if
you are not part of the superior society that led the protagonist to undergo the illegal
process of wearing a new identity just to achieve his dream. Likewise, the regret was
somehow expressed by Vincent’s parents when their insurance cannot cover the
treatment for his injury. And because of this burden, his parent decided to conceive a
baby again, but with the help of reproductive technology to ensure the superior health
condition of his younger brother. It appears that if someone did not undergo gene
modification before they were born, there will be higher chances of becoming the inferior
one, where it is considered as not normal and worthless in their society.

The perfection portrayed in the film is the reason why happiness, fun, and vitality
does not exist in society. Throughout the film, the only moment I find enjoyment is the
love formed by Vincent and Irene, wherein this happiness does not consist of two superior
identities and everything is just genuinely expressed by these lovers. I think this high-
standard society that offered reproductive technology has giving pressure to those who
are classified as valid, as they attribute greater potential, people are expecting them to
be in a higher position in the society, making them somewhat committed to choosing a
lower career path even though it would make them completely happy. Also, the genetic
information that is highly accessible impedes the excitement in life, wherein the discovery
of one’s skills and attributes would not be naturally learned, and knowing your life
expectancy and the cause of your death seems to be a bad idea for people who overthink
a lot, as it would result in several restrictions for themselves.

Yes, I agree that our strengths are inextricably combined with our weaknesses as
shown in the movie. I think that the motivation of Vincent on pursuing his dream is his
own “invalid” status, which his weakness. Without the experience of being discriminated
against due to an unimpressive genetic sequence, he will not attain the same level of
perseverance that brought him to his dream of exploring outer space; his weakness
becomes the fuel that strengthens his determinations. Further, I think that our
weaknesses are the ones that reveal our true potential that one cannot dictate and modify,
and it is the only foundation that we have in order to differentiate our strengths from its
opposites.

Personally, I think that genetic engineering should only be allowed for those who
have a serious family history of having deadly diseases like the worst type of cancers and
other diseases that would require critical treatments. There is no need for gene
modification for just the enhancement of one’s intelligence, physical appearance, or
higher stamina since these things are not that concerning matter that needs genetic
engineering. Some concerns could be exercised, enhanced, and treated by other existing
solutions. In some cases, I think that genetic engineering is not the solution in ending
genetic discrimination, instead, it will just somehow promotes it if the majority will have a
chance to utilize its extent. Besides, according to recent studies, one’s genes could be
modified depends on the food that people eat, as mentioned by the Scientific American
Custom Media produced for Nestlè (Morad, 2017). Likewise, Harvard Health Publishing
(2014) stated that a healthy lifestyle could also reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
that are part of one’s genetic code. So there are chances that we can still prevent other
diseases encoded in our DNA through healthy living. Thus, I greatly appreciate the
benefits of genetic engineering as long as it would only be applied for the sake of stopping
serious health conditions.

As defined by the Center for Genetics and Society (2020), human cloning is the
process of reproducing the same person that is already existing. From this definition, I
think that human clones are not a good idea even though having biological twins seems
interesting. Also, many scientists think that this process can never be made safe (Center
for Genetics and Society, 2020). And what could possibly happen if the successful
outcome will be achieved, it could lead to other forms of utilizing technology to the
greatest extent wherein it might harm a large number of people. Moreover, I do not think
that child cloning is the least option for those people who cannot conceive a child; since
there are orphans and other children who are available for adoption. Also, we should
never permit other people to develop human clones of other existing people, as it
somehow violates human rights. Besides, no one can never assure if your genetic copy
is being reproduced by someone else who does not have your permission.

If human cloning would be permitted as part of our normal lives, where human
clones would be 90% identical to the real people, I think that they should also experience
the same treatment as the “natural” people. I have no problem with human clones as long
as it is secured that they function and live very similarly to human beings. Besides, the
most likely to be the reason for reproducing the genetic copy of an existing person would
be understandable. Like for example, the two parents found out that their child will now
only have 1 week to live, but both parents cannot accept the faith of their child and just
decided to apply for human cloning, which may be weird for us who are not in their
position. Maybe for some people, it might serve as the only way to enjoy their lives and
alter the pain that they are experiencing. Thus, equal treatment should be given to them,
as everyone deserves to exercise their rights, as the differences should be set aside.

The society exhibited in Gattaca immensely encourages high genetic standards/

genetic perfection that I think neglects the respect of ethical value for the differences
among people. This society wanted the majority of people to be “valid” through the use
of reproductive technology. It was shown in the movie how a person is treated for being
an “invalid” one, enforcing them to reproduce children with gene modification. This can
be observed from the scene where Vincent’s parents decided to conceive a child again,
but at that time, with the aid of reproductive technology. Furthermore, because of this
genetic perfection, the inferior people do not get the same rights as those of superior in
society. It never fosters the value of respect for those who are incapable and in a difficult
situation of obtaining their dreams. Besides, this genetic perfection requirement of society
only promotes genetic discrimination, where fairness and justice do not exist.
References

• Kim, G. (1997). Gattaca. Embryo Project Encyclopedia Retrieved from

http://embryo.asu.edu/handle/10776/11404.
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from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119177/awards
• The Internet Movie Database. (2020). Gattaca Full Cast & Crew. IMDb.com Inc.
Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119177/fullcredits?ref_
=tt_cl_sm#cast
• Fandango. (n.d.). Gattaca. Rotten tomatoes. Retrieved from https://www.rotten
tomatoes.com/m/gattaca
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en-scene-in-film-afk
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1/NASKAH%20PUBLIKASI.pdf
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life/how-diet-can-change-your-dna/
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lifestyle-reset-your-genes
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https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/topics/human-cloning