We end our Original Science Fiction series with Andrew Niccol’s visionary 1997 film set not too far in the future, Gattaca. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we delve into not just what makes this film great and unique, but also what ties the four films from this series — Dark City, Sunshine, Moon, and Gattaca — together. We chat about the nature of science fiction films set close to where we are now and how those stories use the tools of science fiction to explore the dangers of where we could end up. We discuss the concepts of genetic manipulation as it is in the world of the film, what actual geneticists think of it, and what the filmmakers are trying to say. We talk about the great performances in the film, from Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke to Alan Arkin to Xander Berkeley, and how they’re all bringing great stuff to the table. We get into the look of the film, from the stunning production design and costume design to the marvelous cinematography, and how all of these elements came together to create an original future that certainly feels believable. And we look at the nature of being an original science fiction film and what that actually means — not just how it fits within the genre, but how those films tend to fare at the box office. It’s a great film that poses interesting questions and certainly is worth watching and discussing. Tune in!
Film Sundries
- Original Script
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Art of the Title
- “The New Eugenics in Cinema: Genetic Determinism and Gene Therapy in GATTACA” — David A. Kirby
- Flickchart
Assorted Notes & Links
- Desperate Acts of Magic — trailer
- Desperate Acts of Magic — website
- The Wolverine — trailer
