I'll be frank here, I've never really been a fan of most science fiction films as the whole genre isn't really my personal cup of tea. That being said, if someone is to utilize any given genre with a unique story that has never been tackled before, then my curiosity will be peeked. One example that comes to mind is definitely Andrew Niccol's Gattaca, one of the most original and provocative sci-fi features ever constructed. It's funny how this film is often known to be his best film to date, mainly because it wasn't a big hit when it initially came out; in fact it was a box office flop. However, it has since gained a massive cult following, and I can say that I am definitely apart of it.

Set in the not too distant future where people are judged based on their genetic structure, the film centers around Vincent Freeman, who's lifelong dream is to travel into outer space in spite of his genetic disabilities. Regardless, he decides to obtain the proper genes of former engineer Jerome Morrow and soon joins the Gattaca space program. Over there, he falls in love with Irene Cassini while the death of an officer ends up conflicting with his plans. It's really interesting how the film tackles themes of prejudice and the underdog making it to the top by putting its emphasis on the genetically superior and inferior. One could imagine that if science had dominated the future, there would be easier methods of discovering one's genes, but that could also lead to the fate of those who aren't so lucky. At its core, Gattaca is a story about following your dreams in spite of any disabilities you may have.

When it comes to the characters, Vincent is very sympathetic but also fallible when it comes to how much he desires his dreams. He knows that it could only be a matter of time before he is exposed, yet we still relate to how much turmoil he went through just to get to where he is. In addition, Irene happens to have a serious heart condition which makes her worse off than Vincent, but that only makes their relationship more heartwarming. The better way to obtain pure happiness is to seek it through those who are not too different from you. Also, Jerome is a really good representation of those who never made it to where they wanted, which in turn creates a really dynamic contrast between his pessimism and Vincent's optimism. I won't say much about the other characters as that would spoil the fun, but they're either wonderful supporters or challenging obstacles that could either make or break Vincent.

Lastly, I think what makes this film resonate with me so much is how it comments on the general idea of a future run by perfection through genetic engineering. More often than not, people will assume that having your offspring taken care of by science and advanced medicine will be the only way to make them perfect, but if they're already well off, then there isn't anything to them outside of that. However, when one is not on the same level of health as other individuals, that could either lead to them playing it safe in their already mundane life or actually taking a risk with their limitations. If the underdog geniuses stayed where they were, we would never have the likes of Albert Einstein, Hellen Keller, Stephen Hawking, Ray Charles, Franklin D Roosevelt and Marlee Matlin among many others. Don't let scientific testing dictate your life if you believe there is more to you than society says otherwise, because then the world will know that you're trying to make a difference.

In conclusion, Gattaca could very well be one of the most thought provoking and motivational sci-fi flicks ever crafted. In addition to having a highly memorable cast of characters and creative concepts, its commentary on futuristic humankind is the glue that holds its intellect together. Even though the film does have a strong cult following, it could still use more love and affection. Therefore, I deem this a must watch for any one who's into science-fiction or social allegories. In fact, I would even say that this is a wonderful choice for anybody who is considered "imperfect" by society's standards. As someone who is developmentally flawed as myself, I can safely that even if you might not have the same conditions as Vincent Freeman, you will definitely gravitate towards other aspects worth seeing.

When I saw GATTACA, I was amazed by the film because although it was mass marketed, it seemed to have a depth to it you just don't expect from films--particularly in recent years. In fact, this film was sort of an "anti-Hollywood film" because unlike the trend, this movie actually avoided special effects and costly sets--instead concentrating on the story. It was nice to see that a film wasn't "dumbed down" for the public but was designed to make you think and challenge you.

The story is set in the near future. Space travel is more common, though who gets to travel is the problem. You see, genetic manipulation and perfection have become the norm and so only the very best and brightest specimens get to be astronauts. So, if you were one of the unfortunates in society who was NOT the product of genetic engineering, you cannot possibly hope to join the program but are cursed to be a second-class citizen. While this may initially sound crazy, given science's progress in recent years on creating "designer babies" where parents can not only choose the gender of their children but even the genetics, it seems quite plausible. The world of GATTACA could easily become our world in our life time.

Into this snobbish world of space travel enters an interloper. Ethan Hawke plays a man who wants to be in the program but he's cursed with being normal. So, through some very complex fakery, he is able to sneak into the astronaut training program and tries very hard to remain undetected. Where exactly all this goes is something you need to see for yourself.

As I mentioned above, this film really makes you think. I am a teacher and was shocked that many of my students actually enjoyed the film, even though conventional thinking is that such a complex movie is probably of no interest to kids--just old farts like me. Well, it isn't true and for once I am happy to report that a film dares to try to make you think! The only negative, and it's not huge, is the very ending. While I love low cost films, the clothing the astronauts wore when entering the rocket seemed silly and anti-climactic. Perhaps a few dollars more spent on the final scenes might have been money well spent.

Gattaca is a research space facility where the elite work and the bonus is travel to the stars. At this point in the future our lives and career paths are chosen by eugenics. But that's not going to stop Ethan Hawke.

Loren Dean and Hawke are brothers. Dean was a special test tube baby, but in the case of Hawke, mom and dad brought him into the world the old fashioned way. Dean made sure Hawke knew he was the product of inferior breeding and he got his ticket punched for a job at Gattaca. Hawke works there too, as part of Ernie Borgnine's janitorial crew.

As a film Gattaca offers us the proposition that even with eugenics one still can't determine abilities. But you have to be able to fool the DNA monitors and Hawke gets a crash course in this from Tony Shalhoub. And he even gets a girl that normally shouldn't be in his league in Uma Thurman.

Gattaca which got an Oscar nomination in the Art&Set Design category offers an intriguing possibility for the future, a future I certainly wouldn't want to see come to pass.