Gattaca (1997) - A Psychologist Reacts | The Arkham Sessions

Gattaca (1997) is a dystopian sci-fi film portraying a society made up of genetically engineered "valids" and naturally-born "invalids". High-paying jobs, access to education and the creative arts, and general respect and dignity are automatically given to the superior-born individuals, while invalids are relegated to menial jobs. Ethan Hawke plays Vincent, a sharp-minded invalid who uses his intellect and determination to pose as an engineer at Gattaca, an aerospace corporation sending flights to Saturn's moon. With the help of an ex-athlete (Jerome, played by Jude Law), Vincent manages to fool just about everyone. Until there's a murder. Gattaca confronts the topic of eugenics and discrimination with an unmistakable warning. The film is beautiful and romantic, yet something always feels off. Like Vincent's constant efforts to literally scrub his DNA off of his body, scenes look sterile, mundane, monotonous. Characters are intentionally one-dimensional, flat-toned, and lack emotional variety. There is an underlying sense of dread. It does not feel utopian. The message of Gattaca is simple and enduring, if not overwhelming and fantastical: A person's willpower, determination, and hard work can not only help them overcome systemic barriers but can also reveal the fragility and artificiality of such barriers. Follow us on Instagram! Dr. Drea Letamendi - @drdreapsychology Brian Ward - @b_ward028 The Arkham Sessions - ‪@TheArkhamSessions‬ Join us on Patreon! Patreon.com/ArkhamSessions