Gattaca

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy

Philosophical but more stylish. Superb photography. Great sets and locations. And extraordinary performance by (the then unknown) Jude Law who plays a disenchanted "designed" elite human being.

The story is set in the "near- future" where humans can design their offspring- deciding whether they are good in math, athletic, good looking, and even "well hung down there"- are not psychotic, murderous or have any other flaws etc..

As the geneticist explains- "We want to give your child the best possible start. Believe me, we have enough imperfection built in already. Your child doesn't need any more additional burdens. Keep in mind, this child is still you. Simply, the best, of you. You could conceive naturally a thousand times and never get such a result."

Vincent however - isn't. He's an "invalid" - someone born the normal way - not in a laboratory- but determined by God's chance.

However the parents find that their child's chances are already marked down- even at birth. All invalids are reckoned to be less capable and are actively discriminated against. So the parents resolve to have another child the new way. And this new child seems to prove to be everything his father hoped to be - stronger, taller, etc..

Vincent despite his weakness- wants to become an astronaut - and after a climatic battle with his brother - determines his route. He will take on a new identity by borrowing one (illegally). Here comes Jude Law- who (even I thinks) looks totally mesmerizing. lol.

Their charade comes to a big bump however when the director of the space program gets brutally murdered- and everyone suspects an invalid did it. Uma's character also develops a crush on Vincent and threatens to expose his double life.

Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman - have a love interest - but no apparent chemistry (despite the fact that in real-life, they are lovers).

All in all- a great film- but could have been better. The plot could do with some work. A bit more edginess/ bloodymindness in Ethan's character would make more sense. (See for example - The Talented Mr Ripley). And more thought could have been put into increasing the film's tension and suspense.

Strangely, the last scene where Jude Law's character disappears - tho it seems crazy - is somehow very poetic and moving. Maybe it has to do with the haunting soundtrack. But I love that moment.