The document discusses several key themes in the film Gattaca including genetic engineering and the moral issues surrounding it, the contrast between human frailty and inhuman perfection, and oppression and discrimination based on genetics. It provides examples of how characters in the film are discriminated against due to their genes and compares this to real-world examples of oppression. It analyzes how the world of Gattaca is dystopic and oppressive for those who are not genetically gifted and explores the relationship between the characters of Vincent and Jerome. Finally, it examines the theme of science versus religion and ethics, and how unchecked scientific discovery without moral or ethical considerations could lead to the type of society portrayed in the film.

1. Themes and Discussion

21. Useful quotes • "We used to think our future was in the stars. Now we know it is in our genes." — James Watson, Nobel Prize Winner and developer of the Human Genome Project Andrew Niccol… • on Gattaca's theme: "I would hate for anyone to look at my film and think it is advocating that you never tamper with genes, because there have been and will be many positive things to come out of this kind of science in terms of curing diseases. But the problem is that blurred line between health and enhancement. How far do you go? Do you consider short-sightedness a disease? Premature balding? Crooked teeth? Where do you draw the line?"

22. • on Irene's character: "I think of Irene as somebody who would lie down and die at the alotted minute because she would feel guilty if she lived a minute longer than her profile proscribed. Uma had an excellent take on how to play her. Instead of being pitiful, she plays Irene as a woman who is very definite about her shortcomings, who is very film in her belief in her fatalites."