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Suspense In Gattaca

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Gattaca, directed by Andrew Niccol, is a powerful film that has a large number of significant scenes. One of the most significant scenes in this film is the identity reveal scene. The identity reveal scene is when Irene, the film's love interest, discovers Vincent has been lying to her and hiding behind the false identity of “Jerome”. This scene uses cross cutting, camera work, background music and diegetic sound to build suspense and create a better understanding of the scene. An important technique Niccol uses is cross cutting. The technique of cross cutting creates anticipation and builds suspense. This technique creates anticipation and builds suspense by allowing the viewer to see Jerome struggling to climb the stairs as the car with …show more content…

Niccol uses many instances of close ups to show characters emotions and actions throughout the scene. Two of the most important close ups within this scene are a close up of Jerome crawling up the stairs and a close up of Irene's face at the end of the scene. The close up of Jerome crawling up the stairs is important as it gives the viewer a better idea of how much he is struggling due to the fact that he is paralysed from the waist down. This creates suspense and fear as the viewer is unsure if Jerome will be able to make it up the stairs in time to greet the police and Irene. The final close up of Irene's face is important as it shows the utter shock on her face as she realises that the Jerome in front of her is real and she has been dating someone using his identity. This close up causes the viewer to question if Irene is going to tell the police that there is identity fraud happening or if she is going to break up with Vincent who is using Jerome as a false …show more content…

Violins are playing throughout the majority of the scene, becoming louder in moments that have high amounts of suspense. These violins cause the viewer to feel nervous or scared for the characters in question, therefore engaging them in the film. These violins create a sense of urgency and fear, therefore helping the viewer further understand the scene. Diegetic sound is used within this scene as a symbol to further explore the weight of perfect genes within the society of Gattaca. Throughout this scene, especially from the middle through to the end of the scene, the diegetic sound of thudding, such as footsteps or Eugene climbing the staircase. This thudding symbolises heart beats. The heart is very important to this film. Vincent has a faulty heart and this is a large part of what holds him back within the society of Gattaca. Therefore, by using diegetic sound, Niccol reminds the viewer of Vincent's supposed inferiority due to his genetic

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