• Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Tagline: There Is No Gene For The Human Spirit.
• Plot Outline A genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel.
• Plot Synopsis: Gattaca Corp. is an aerospace firm in the future. During this time society analyzes your DNA and determines where you belong in life. Ethan Hawke’s character was born with a congenital heart condition which would cast him out of getting a chance to travel in space. So in turn he assumes the identity of an athlete who has genes that would allow him to achieve his dream of space travel.
• Plot Keywords: Character’s Point Of View Camera Shot | Skin Care | Title Spoken By Character | Future | Future Noir | Blood | Impostor | Murder | Paraplegic | Perfection | Police | Mistaken Identity
• Actors: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Gore Vidal, Xander Berkeley, Jayne Brook, See more
• Directors: Andrew Niccol

Editorial Review

Confidently conceived and brilliantly executed, Gattaca had a somewhat low profile release in 1997, but audiences and critics hailed the film’s originality. It’s since been recognized as one of the most intelligent science fiction films of the 1990s. Writer-director Andrew Niccol, the talented New Zealander who also wrote the acclaimed Jim Carrey vehicle The Truman Show, depicts a near-future society in which one’s personal and professional destiny is determined by one’s genes. In this society, “Valids” (genetically engineered) qualify for positions at prestigious corporations, such as Gattaca, which grooms its most qualified employees for space exploration. “In-Valids” (naturally born), such as the film’s protagonist, Vincent (Ethan Hawke), are deemed genetically flawed and subsequently fated to low-level occupations in a genetically caste society. With the help of a disabled “Valid” (Jude Law), Vincent subverts his society’s social and biological barriers to pursue his dream of space travel; any random mistake–and an ongoing murder investigation at Gattaca–could reveal his plot. Part thriller, part futuristic drama and cautionary tale, Gattaca establishes its social structure so convincingly that the entire scenario is chillingly believable. With Uma Thurman as the woman who loves Vincent and identifies with his struggle, Gattaca is both stylish and smart, while Jude Law’s performance lends the film a note of tragic and heartfelt humanity. –Jeff Shannon

DVD features
In addition to a superb widescreen transfer, the DVD edition of Gattaca includes several deleted scenes (and one humorous outtake), which further establish the story’s social context and provide additional insight into the scientific and ethical issues explored in this extraordinary film. –Jeff Shannon