Gattaca (1997)

(dir. Andrew Niccol) Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) is a genetic “invalid” in a world of gene-engineered perfection. He borrows the identity of Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a paralysed “valid” to be able to work at Gattaca and dreams of making it into space on one of their missions. The investigation around the murder of a Gattaca administrator, however, threatens to reveal his secret identity.

I hadn’t seen this since around its release in 1997 and remembered very little. It is still visually striking–not for its sci-fi special effects, but for its careful photography and heavy use of colour filters that render the film off-putting but beautiful. The distinctive faces of Hawke, Law, and Uma Thurman add to the otherworldly intensity of the visuals. Sławomir Idziak (Three Colours: Blue) was the Director of Photography.

The film is really not interested in creating a plausible vision of the future–the cars and fashion are retro-styled, the astronauts wear suits and ties, and it all seems more 1950s than 2050s–but that’s perhaps because the real interest is in sibling rivalry, human frailty, and imperfection. From Vincent, to Irene, to the mission director, all the characters fail to hide their flaws from those around them.

Michael Nyman’s music is also key to setting the melancholic tone of the film. It all should seem portentous and heavy-handed–it even has bookending voice-overs!–but there is nothing wasted here. It’s an exceptional film, and I won’t wait twenty-five years before watching it again. ★★★★★