Gattaca Essay PDF

Preview

Summary

Gattaca Essay...

Description

Dystopia English Extension 1 Research Task

Dystopian fiction consistently objectifies the undertaking of contemporary society by foreshadowing the future on the grounds of the present. Through the illusion of a perfect utopian world, dystopian fiction foregrounds a futuristic, fabricated realm where oppressive societal control is maintained through means of science, technology and restricted conformity. By depicting an exaggerated worst-case scenario, dystopias offer a strong and didactic criticism about contemporary conduct and the ramifications of the future1. According to Lauren DeStefano, “Most dystopian, classic and contemporary, paints a future world that puts a twist on present society- a future world that could plausibly happen”2. Thus, the America science fiction film, Gattaca (1997), directed and written by Andrew Niccol, presents an insightful glimpse into a genetically engineered futuristic world where genetic perfection is sought for, thus the value of the individual is judged based on their genetic purity. Gattaca explores the implications of aspiring for perfection, the plight and repressiveness of the protagonist and the scientific and ethical controversies of cyberpunk dystopias, thus portraying a premonition to present-day society. Ultimately, dystopian fictions explore the predicament of futuristic societies based upon contextual influences, alluding to warnings for present-day society.

Dystopian fiction often explores the flaws of the human race on the basis of present context. The society of “Gattaca” aspires for perfection through the application of eugenics, cultivating society by eliminating defective genes to eradicate disease, illness and unwanted characteristics to promote strength, beauty and intelligence. Whilst a genetically superior society may seem to have the characteristics of a utopia, it really only promotes an illusion of a perfect utopian world as this aspiration for perfection evokes genoism, discrimination according to one’s genetic purity, observed within today’s society in the discrimination of race, culture and appearance. However, amidst this futuristic society, “we now have discrimination down to a science”. Within Gattaca, the “invalids” or “faithbirths” are discriminated against as they are naturally conceived, 1.

(ReadWriteThinkOrg, 2016)

2.

(A-Z Quotes, 2016)

a taboo and therefore, are considered to be the inferior class. This is emphasised through the ironic quote “the best test score wasn’t going to matter unless I had the blood test to go with it”, illustrating that an individual’s self-worth is calculated purely upon their genetic makeup. Despite the scientific attempt to eliminate imperfections though, the “valids” are still deeply flawed characters, seen through the characterisation of Eugene3, depicted by his alcoholism, lack of desire and bitterness regarding his fate since “[he] suffered under a different burden- the burden of perfection”. Being unfit to live within a society so fixated on genetic perfection, Eugene’s suicidal death symbolises the implications and ramifications of a society possessed with genetic superiority. Furthermore, in a society so immersed in genetic perfection “They’ve got you looking so hard for any flaw that after a while that’s all you see”, alluding to present-day society where many scrutinise themselves in an aspiration for perfection. The film’s fundamental promulgation presents that all of humanity embodies faults and flaws which simply cannot be eradicated through scientific means, a declaration to present-day society.

The protagonist’s defiance of their dystopia plays a crucial role in bestowing a message to present-day society. This is portrayed primarily by the characterisation of Vincent. Despite Vincent’s inferior genetic makeup in a society dictated by rules and conventions, he is able to achieve his dreams through his will and determination, most specifically his trip to space. Vincent represents powerful notions such as humanity and perseverance and his ultimate victory illustrates humanity’s triumph over society, especially since the genetically engineered within society lack the authentic emotions of humanity such as desire and drive to overcome obstacles. This notion is depicted within the swimming scene where Vincent and his brother Anton, “valid” against “invalid” swimoff to determine the more superior brother. Despite Vincent’s inferior genetic makeup, he wins and ends up saving his brother’s life, symbolising that superior man-made genetic makeup does not guarantee success but rather an individual’s will power and determination to achieve, which cannot be granted within one’s genetic makeup. This 3.

(English Works, 2014)

idea is conveyed within the film’s tagline, “There is no gene for the human spirit”, illustrating that an individual’s self-worth cannot be measured by their genes. In addition, Vincent’s existence defies the science of his dystopian society since his life is ten thousand heart beats overdue, indicating that a reliance on scientific technology should not be sought for in modern-day society. His success despite every misfortune emphasises the strength of the human spirit which cannot be determined through genetic engineering.

Dystopian films often draw attention to the scientific and ethical issues proceeding within contemporary society. This issue is exemplified in Gattaca, where a society of genetic engineers use science to conceive births, also known in present-day society as test tube babies or as IVF. The film focuses on genetically engineered humans as the superior race through the adoption of eugenics and eliminating unwanted genes, however it also addresses the ethical issues of taking on the role of God by making births a clinical matter, rather than being naturally conceived. With the use of context, the director, Andrew Niccol uses the didactic futuristic world of Gattaca to draw upon these elements which are prevalent in contemporary society, most specifically the rapidly developing scientific and technological world4. Niccol uses Gattaca to speculate and warn about the issues of abusing science and taking on the role of God. By aiming to explore the humanity in technology and presenting a futuristic world where there is no distinct right or wrong, Gattaca focuses on complex characters that are deeply flawed and pushes the boundaries of science-fiction. It was for this reason that Niccol chose to make such direct correlations to developments within current society, most specifically IVF which allows parents to select their child’s characteristics. After all, “This child is still you…simply the best of you”. As a result, Niccol warns that a genetically engineered society can devise an undesirable dystopia as illustrated through Gattaca. Therefore, the film plays a crucial role in warning present-day society about the implications which can arouse with the misuse of technology in current developments, blurring the line of ethics. 4.

(Gradesaver.com, 2016)

To conclude, dystopian fiction plays a crucial role in warning contemporary society about contextual problems through the means of futuristic societies. The film Gattaca showcases the implications of aspiring for perfection, the defiance of the protagonist and the scientific and ethical controversies of such dystopias, directing the consequences and warnings of current technological and scientific activities to contemporary society.

Bibliography 1. A-Z Quotes. (2016). Lauren DeStefano Quote. [online] http://www.azquotes.com/quote/1217906 [Accessed 24 Apr. 2016]. 2. English Works. (2014). Gattaca - English Works. [online] http://www.englishworks.com.au/gattaca/ [Accessed 24 Apr. 2016]. 3. Gradesaver.com. (2016). Gattaca Background. [online] http://www.gradesaver.com/gattaca [Accessed 24 Apr. 2016]. 4. Readwritethinkorg (2016). [online] http://http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson926/Def initionCharacteristics.pdf [Accessed 24 Apr. 2016]....