Product Description: In gattaca only the strong succeed and the strong are genetically pre-selected at birth. But when one man dares to defy the system he gets caught in a web of lies corruption and murder. A smart stylish thriller laced with high-wire suspense. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 03/09/1998 Starring: Ethan Hawke Alan Arkin Run time: 106 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Andrew Niccol
Amazon.com essential video: Confidently conceived and brilliantly executed, Gattaca had a somewhat low profile release in 1997, but audiences and critics hailed the film's originality. It's since been recognized as one of the most intelligent science fiction films of the 1990s. Writer-director Andrew Niccol, the talented New Zealander who also wrote the acclaimed Jim Carrey vehicle The Truman Show, depicts a near-future society in which one's personal and professional destiny is determined by one's genes. In this society, "Valids" (genetically engineered) qualify for positions at prestigious corporations, such as Gattaca, which grooms its most qualified employees for space exploration. "In-Valids" (naturally born), such as the film's protagonist, Vincent (Ethan Hawke), are deemed genetically flawed and subsequently fated to low-level occupations in a genetically caste society. With the help of a disabled "Valid" (Jude Law), Vincent subverts his society's social and biological barriers to pursue his dream of space travel; any random mistake--and an ongoing murder investigation at Gattaca--could reveal his plot. Part thriller, part futuristic drama and cautionary tale, Gattaca establishes its social structure so convincingly that the entire scenario is chillingly believable. With Uma Thurman as the woman who loves Vincent and identifies with his struggle, Gattaca is both stylish and smart, while Jude Law's performance lends the film a note of tragic and heartfelt humanity. --Jeff Shannon
Amazon.com: Confidently conceived and brilliantly executed, Gattaca had a somewhat low profile release in 1997, but audiences and critics hailed the film's originality. It's since been recognized as one of the most intelligent science fiction films of the 1990s. Writer-director Andrew Niccol, the talented New Zealander who also wrote the acclaimed Jim Carrey vehicle The Truman Show, depicts a near-future society in which one's personal and professional destiny is determined by one's genes. In this society, "Valids" (genetically engineered) qualify for positions at prestigious corporations, such as Gattaca, which grooms its most qualified employees for space exploration. "In-Valids" (naturally born), such as the film's protagonist, Vincent (Ethan Hawke), are deemed genetically flawed and subsequently fated to low-level occupations in a genetically caste society. With the help of a disabled "Valid" (Jude Law), Vincent subverts his society's social and biological barriers to pursue his dream of space travel; any random mistake--and an ongoing murder investigation at Gattaca--could reveal his plot. Part thriller, part futuristic drama and cautionary tale, Gattaca establishes its social structure so convincingly that the entire scenario is chillingly believable. With Uma Thurman as the woman who loves Vincent and identifies with his struggle, Gattaca is both stylish and smart, while Jude Law's performance lends the film a note of tragic and heartfelt humanity. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Beautifully shot
This movie is really really good-looking. It is essentially a murder mystery wrapped in science-fiction coating. Ethan Hawke plays an over-ambitious man who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Jude Law extracts ... Read More
Rating: - The Historical Roots to this Film
To understand Gattaca, it helps to know a little history.
About a century ago, progressives took up what the New York Times in 1912 called the "wonderful new science" of eugenics. Because of improvements ... Read More
Rating: - Fascinating Futuristic Science Fiction Drama
"Gattaca" was originally released in 1997 with very little publicity, but instantly collected a dedicated fanbase. Today, two decades later, the growing fanbase of this science fiction drama has dubbed it one of the most ... Read More
Rating: - A Classic!
I agree with the other reviewer, "I never saved anything for the swim back!" is the answer to Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, or to a genetic-manipulated world that we are now making. I own the DVD version, and now the ... Read More
Rating: - anything is possible!
This movie will have you on the edge of your seat, its got suspense, sci fi, with a touch of brave new world. this is not far fetched sci fi at all. this is more or less within our reach now. this movie packs in a powerful ... Read More
- Beautifully shot
- The Historical Roots to this Film