We need more people like Andrew Niccol to write using their imagination and not for the sake of special effects. Thanks Andrew!! END


Gattaca: How passion overcomes genetic "destiny"   July 7, 1998
Gattaca is an extraordinarily touching and visually poetic film that, among its many qualities, affirms the view that a passion for life is more important than the physical limitations with which we may be born.

Its protagonist is born a "love baby," formed from the random union of his parents sperm and eggs, without the aid of the unspecified but obviously sophisticated genetic skills of his era. His younger brother, the second child, bred by his parents by means of those genetic techniques, is theoretically superior in physical prowess, intelligence and anticipated health. The brothers experience a deep and painful rivalry.

Condemned to mediocrity by a judgmental, genetically-obsessed society, the hero strikes a faustian bargain: a fraction of his future earnings (and fear of discovery of his true identity at each turn) in exchange for access to the blood, urine and persona of a genetically perfect, but wheelchair-bound "invisible" man. The two men become profoundly linked, the first dependent upon the other's body, the second dependent upon the first's spirit, his unquenchable desire to reach the stars as an astronaut.

Uma Thurman appears spectacularly as an impassioned, but also genetically insufficient, aspirant to the stars.

There is hope for humanity, despite the fascistic, hateful regieme of genetic purity dominating the time of this film.

This may be one of the most literary and hopeful films ever to address seriously mankind's flawed quest for physical purity and unfair revulsion towards the handicapped.

See the video, play the DVD if you can -- this is a film for all time. Its writers, director, producers, actors and crew deserve great credit. END


Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman revitalize classic space opera.   June 29, 1998
Set to a harrowing classic score, "Gattaca" explores the future of genetic discrimination. Trapped in an imperfect body, Vincent (Ethan Hawke) searches for a way to hide minor imperfections to be able to become an astronaut. Along his deceitful journey to out-perform his genetic superiors, he encounters love, betrayal, and murder. Uma Thurman stuns and delights as a sophisticated, but vulnerable, sex goddess. "Gattaca", cleverly made from letters of DNA strands, has well thought-out scenes. Acting, a bit cheesy at times, is perfect. Go see this movie now..... END