Examples Of Existentialism In Gattaca

What is Existentialism? Who created this? How does this affect the world? Existentialism is a philosophical way of thinking that arose that has been around for a very long time but it became popular during the late 19th century and the 20th century. Profound effects that the world wars had on people around the world resulted in people viewing the world in a different perspective. The upbringing of existentialism philosophy was a result from many different philosophers such as Camus and Sartre. Existentialism is now found in many forms of media most notably in the theaters. Gattaca,a film that was released in 1997, which harbors many characteristics of existentialism. Few of the qualities found in this movie is about free will, choices, consequences,

Sartre once wrote, “ When a man commits himself to anything, fully realizing that he is not only choosing what he will be, but is thereby at the same time a legislator deciding for the whole of mankind” (Sartre 2). In the movie, Vincent uses false identity to cover up the fact that his body is not perfect to go into space. Toward the end of the film, Vincent exposes his identity to the Doctor. Vincent knew that revealing his true identity could ruin his dreams to go to outer space, but he still does it. The doctor did not seem surprised at this and told him, “ Right handed men don’t hold it with their left” ( Ending of Gattaca). This shows the viewer that the Doctor already knew Vincent’s identity but refused to say anything. The doctor refuses to say anything because he has a son who, just like Vincent, is an invalid (a person who has not be genetically engineered to be perfect). A review stated, “Naturally born individuals are ‘In-Valids.’ They are stigmatized in society and given only menial jobs. Vincent (Ethan Hawke) has poor eyesight and a heart condition. Yet his yearning to be a member of an elite space mission to Titan has made him into an innovative subversive.” (Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat). The Doctor sees what Vincent has done so that he can go to space. Vincent’s motivation to achieve his dream of going into spaces and the actions that he took to become an astronaut even though, he has an inferior genome, could motivate others to follow. In the Doctor’s mind Vincent is a role model for his son who is also looked down in society for his lesser genes. Vincent has made decisions in his life that molded himself so that people with inferior genes look at Vincent as a role