Gattaca Film Analysis

In this scene, we see Vincent beat his genetically superior brother, who is ‘Valid’ in a swimming contest, highlighting the importance/drive of the human spirit and that ‘there is no gene for the human spirit’. In this scene we the audience are allowed to further grasp the underlying message of the film- that a person’s self-worth cannot be measured by their genetic code. The director Andrew Niccol’s shows us this through the use of four key techniques in this scene are as follows Non-Diegetic music, a green tint, medium close up shot and cross cutting. All of the theses techniques allow Niccol’s to convey emotions and themes through the movie ‘Gattaca’ without the uses of dialogue.

The director Niccol’s cleverly manipulates the technique

The use of this soulful music somewhat downplays how monumental this scene is for Vincent as if forces him to reminisce about his and Anton’s past and the discrimination that he has faced. Remaining Vincent and the audience of the society that Vincent has grown up in. A society dictated by rules and conventions. Vincent is forced to reminisce about his past because growing up Aton constantly challenges Vincent as he knows that he had an advantage over Vincent and was most likely to win, becoming the superior in their relationship even though Vincent is the older of the two. Therefore causing us to feel sympathetic toward Vincent and the troubled childhood, he had, but it also inspires us to do things that others say we can't do. Like Vincent we can succeed even when all odds are against us, we just have to be willing to put in the hard work to achieve your dreams. This use of non-diegetic music woven with the uses of the diegetic sound of the wave crashing and their arms moving through the water. Creates the sense that the water has a hold of both Vicent and Anton, it reminded them of the success and failure that they have had in their lives. Although this scene starts off

This close-up of Anton and Vincent emphasizes their emotional state. Also, the medium close-ups allow the water to be seen still, this is fatal to the main purpose of this film. The director does this by subconsciously manipulating how the viewer comprehends the meaning and symbolism of the water. Throughout the film images of water appear. These include the shower in the opening scene, the beach where Vincent and Irene fall in love, and the ocean where the swimming scenes take place, as well as numerous close-ups on glasses of water throughout the film. The water symbolizes transition and transformation and hence is suitable for a film focusing on the strenuous journey from oppression to success. It also represents Vincent's transition in social status, from 'invalid' to 'valid' when he adopts the identity of Jerome. The water helps emphasize crucial moments of change in the film such as the flashbacks to the swimming competitions between Vincent and Aton. This was first introduced to us in the first flashback where Vincent fails to beat his brother. Despite this Vincent was still encouraged to pursue his dreams, as he