The Society of Gattaca Works to Hold Back Rather Than to Enhance the Potential of Human Beings

'The society of Gattaca works to hold back rather than to enhance the potential of human beings.'

In Andrew Niccol's film, Gattaca (1997) the society portrayed is working to enhance human beings but therefore, restricting the inferior. Gattaca explores the themes of genetic engineering and human imperfection. Society determines people's statuses based on their genetic material. The invalids are not given the chance to increase their potential because they are seen as unworthy due to their genetic make up. They are restricted from achieving goals and opportunities as the use of genes determines human worth. People always have the capacity to improve because we can learn from our past mistakes and make an effort to change what is restricting us. Potential is related to experience; so even when we fail, our knowledge and talent increases. We are always growing and therefore, no one will ever reach their full potential.

In the world of Gattaca, the society is solely reliant on genetics and individual characteristics such as personality, beliefs and values are irrelevant. Society determines people's statuses based on their genetic background and 'they don't care where you were born, just how.' Life is genetically controlled right from the beginning so that everyone gets the 'best possible start'. Vincent says 'that they used to say that a child conceived in love has a greater chance of happiness. They don't say that anymore.' Identity is seen in this world as being entire defined by your status as a valid or invalid. Valids are humans created with superior genes with near-perfect DNA and invalids are people whose genetic make up was left to chance and who is presumed to be exposed to disease. People with great genetic profiles are hired into higher level jobs while the inferiors are considered useful for low-status work only. When Vincent is dreaming of travelling into outer space, his father tells him that 'the only way you will see the inside of a spaceship is if you're cleaning it.' People's worth is determined by how they were born, rather than their qualities.

Valids believe they are only capable of what their genetic profile dictates. If everyone is designed to be genetically 'perfect,' competition to achieve greatness will still exist, only at a higher level. Jerome participated in a swimming race and when he got a medal for being 'one step down on the podium,' he tried to take his own life by jumping in front of a car. Those that are genetically engineered (Anton and Jerome) have the opportunity to achieve goals but have no desire to seek any possibilities for themselves beyond what their genetic code has dictated for them. One could regard them as being somewhat unmotivated by excellence and satisfied. Vincent, on the other hand, is motivated