Amongst the crowded pantheon of modern sci-fi flicks, there stands a film often overlooked by many; a modern classic overshadowed by its pr-driven counterparts. Gattaca is a science fiction drama set in a future where a new generation of genetically modified humans are considered to be socially superior. Anyone born naturally is dubbed a ‘godchild’ and is, essentially, part of a weaker social order. Vincent (Ethan Hawke) happens to be exactly this and his genetic flaws stand between him and his dream of going to space, an aspiration he can only achieve as a member of an elite company: Gattaca Corp. With the help of an unscrupulous associate, Vincent is able to assume the identity of Jerome Morrow (Jude Law) – a recently crippled swimmer who happens to bear the perfect physical and intellectual credentials for entry to Gattaca thanks to his carefully designed genetic make-up. Vincent lives Jerome’s life and using blood, urine and skin samples manages to fool the system into believing he is the perfect human specimen. However, the murder of one of Gattaca’s senior staff brings the Police to the corporation’s headquarters and Vincent’s secret seems to be in jeopardy – how far is he willing to go to preserve his dream?

Gattaca showcases Ethan Hawke at his utmost best (think Training Day) and Uma Thurman in her finest role since Pulp Fiction. Their impeccably tempered performances are supported by an equally strong ensemble cast featuring an up-and-coming Jude Law, the majestic Alan Arkin and –fleetingly - Tony Shaloub. Andrew Niccol has done a great job of keeping everyone in tune with the overall tone of the film, no-one breaks the sombre tone with a bad performance. With regard to the film’s superficially varying tone, the sepulchral mood is subtly noticeable throughout, no matter what else may seem to be the main tone of a certain scene, there will always be a dark hint of something lurking beneath the surface mixed with Vincent’s unmistakable gritty determination.

What Gattaca does better than most sci-fi films is look towards a believable future, where eugenics are commonplace and discrimination is based upon someone’s innate physical vulnerabilities as opposed to race and gender. Its depiction of manufacturing genetically pristine children, devoid of disease and weaknesses and the scientific ability to retrieve somebody’s vulnerability to particular medical conditions at birth is something quite plausibly imminent in the near future; some aspects of these kinds of technologies are already creeping into society today. Whether that is good or bad is often not for us to decide.

Aesthetically, Gattaca is stunning. Its visual style bears a utopian cleanliness; everything you see appears precise and ultramodern, apart from the sea, which – of course – nobody can tame (cliché anyone?). The cultural fashion movement seems to be similar to the styles of the 1950s, which works perfectly as no hair appears to be out of place - in keeping with the untarnished feel of the film. These pristine sensibilities are only ignored when necessary, such as when Vincent becomes distressed; a dishevelled appearance would certainly threaten to uncover his secret.

Intelligent and thought provoking, Gattaca is a sublime experience. The cinematography is magnificently epic and the sheer scope of its intellectual ambition is humbling. Even though at times it can appear to be trying too hard and may confuse some, these prove to be minor glitches in an otherwise flawless piece of cinema. There will be others who disagree with such a stance, but the seemingly tranquil and crookedly immersive world Gattaca creates is incredibly alluring. Andrew Niccol has produced an inventive and enjoyable take on the modern sci-fi flick, which seems increasingly current as the concerned scientific issues seem ever closer – it doesn’t even need to use lightsabers to get its message across either.

Director: Andrew Niccol
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Alan Arkin, Tony Shaloub, Gore Vidal.
Year: 2005
Genre: Sci-Fi/Drama
Buy: Amazon UK