Must See Movie Monday - Gattaca

Film: Gattaca
Released: 1997
Rated: PG-13
Director: Andrew Niccol
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law
Short Summary: (from IMDb) A genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one to pursue his life long dream of space travel.

Why It's  A Must See Movie

I re-watched the movie Gattaca last night. I hadn't seen it in many years. This is something of a surprise to me because when I was twelve or thirteen I was obsessed with this movie. I must have made my parents rent it at Blockbuster at least six times. I can't really remember what about it appealed to me at thirteen but I can tell you what I think of it now.

I think the best thing about Gattaca is it's writing. It's does an excellent job of mixing genres. It's mostly science fiction but it shares themes with dystopia and suspense. The film in fact does a great job at building suspense through out. I think part of the reason why it does is because the events take place in the time span of a week and there is a murder mystery element as well. Nothing like a movie with a main character that you feel sympathy for, who is so close to attaining his goal, but all hope could be dashed if he gets caught for a murder he didn't commit. That element of the plot build a lot of great tension. I think that the movie uses foreshadowing in a lovely way. It does it in subtle camera shots which is quite brilliant.

I like that Gattaca explores ideas about racism, overcoming obstacles at all costs, and the nature of building bonds with people. I love how the film shows the bonds between the characters. I don't know if it's the way it's shot or the way it's written but you really understand the feelings and the emotions the characters have. Add that Gattaca has actors in it that I would enjoy watching under any circumstance and you've got a pretty awesome film in my book. So go an check it out or re-watch it if you haven't seen it.

That's all folks. See you on Tuesday. Stay shiny!