Gattaca

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Elias Koteas, Blair Underwood, Ernest Borgnine, Tony Shalhoub, Alan Arkin, Ken Marino, Maya Rudolph
Directed by: Andrew Niccol
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Science Fiction, Drama
Box Office: $
1997

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: In a world where genetically engineered people have a major advantage over naturally born ones, a normal man (Ethan Hawke) assumes the identity of a paralyzed genetically engineered man (Jude Law) in order to become an astronaut and go into outer space. However, one single slip up, or an ongoing murder investigation, could reveal his true identity and prevent him from achieving his dream.

Review:

Tim: Gattaca is an incredibly intelligent sci-fi drama. It doesn't have much action, has a little romance and a little suspense, but it succeeds because it is a compelling drama. The movie beautifully paints a realistic vision of a future where people are discriminated against based on their genetic makeup. This is presented in a believable, fascinating manner. The implications are profound, and the movie explores many of these. The best part of this movie is that everything is done with class and intelligence, making this a very respectable movie. I felt like the movie willingly traded some broad audience appeal in order to keep its integrity. I appreciate that.

The cast is good. Ethan Hawke is quite memorable as an In-Valid pretending to be a Valid. The movie really revolves around him, and he does a commendable job. Jude Law in many ways makes the movie. He has a smaller role, but it is so critical to the film. He is excellent, easily giving the best performance of the movie. I loved every scene with Law in it. The best parts of the movie are often the ones with Hawke and Law interacting. I really enjoyed these two very good actors playing off each other. They were very fun to watch on screen. I thought Uma Thurman was considerably dull. She doesn't really add anything to the movie. Any number of actresses could have done as good or better of a job. True, the role isn't the most exciting, but Thurman doesn't do anything special with it.

The rest of the supporting cast is good as well. Although none make a huge impact, it is fun to see Elias Koteas, Blair Underwood, Ernest Borgnine, Alan Arkin, and even Tony Shalhoub in small roles. Individually, none make a big impact, but collectively, they add quite a bit to the film.

Gattaca is not a perfect movie. There are times when we get a little bit too much drama, and a bit of action or real suspense was needed. Even a little bit of real romance would have been welcome. A few moments here and there could have have a bigger impact on the audience. Still, what I like about this movie is that it is a truly intelligent, thoughtful meditation on the future. Too few movies do that as well as this movie.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Great Expectations, Minority Report, Paycheck, Training Day; I, Robot