Gattaca: Aim for the Stars, Go for Gold!

It served well in the movie Gattaca to see someone who in that particular society was deemed as average at best, defy obstacles and prove so many wrong. Vincent was a character that had a heart condition that by all standards would limit most other’s ambitions and potential, but instead, Vincent showed that all things were possible by never giving up on his dreams, and never letting other’s define what he could, or could not do. This was very admirable, in my opinion. Irene too showed tremendous heart by overcoming her heart condition, and not letting that condition defy who she was. Jerome although confined to a wheelchair ultimately was given an opportunity to live out his dreams, through Vincent’s will.

Another concept that I liked in Gattaca was that a person’s inner-drive, could essentially lead a person to endure all obstacles, even if genetics say otherwise. Having a heart condition that was said to be past due, did not dim Vincent’s will, but instead proved to be one of his strongest traits. From the moment of birth, Vincent was categorized by the geneticist to have ample maladaptive behavior/health traits that would eventually persist, and ultimately make his life span significantly shorter than anyone would like. Proving others wrong, will in the face of tremendous odds, made Gattaca one of the most enjoyable films that I have seen in 2013.

Anton, who by all means had the genetic makeup to make him “Superior”, to Vincent’s genetic makeup, lacked an inner-drive that ultimately showed that he was not all what his genes said he would be. This proved to me that although someone may or may not have certain traits that other highly seek, it’s what is on the inside that really counts. For the amount of money that was spent on Anton’s genetic makeup, there should have been no reason while swimming with Vincent, that Anton could not endure, and essentially almost drown, while Vincent who had a lesser genetic makeup gave it his all (Not saving anything for the swim back), and showed Anton that he had the “Tools”, that others could not see. Vincent’s persistence, along with his will to never give up on his dreams was wonderful, and I certainly am glad to see a movie like this where the “Underdog”, finally comes out on top, opposed to the alternative.

Irene who in the film also had a heart condition that essentially could have limited her potential, and limit her will, never gave up on her dreams. From watching Irene work out, it was very clear that although she had a heart condition, Irene was still more physically fit than some of the other men that were working out beside her. Also, seeing the way Irene darted across the street in a pair of heels further proved that genetics do mean everything, or define you, unless you let it.

Jerome once had all the proper makeup to be deemed superior, but just the fact that Jerome won a silver medal opposed to gold, speaks for itself.  

While Gattaca is just a movie, I feel that there were many life lessons that separate Gattaca from the average movie. Great film!