Probably my favourite sci-fi movie in years (Gattaca (DVD))

Member Name: htlewis

Product:	Gattaca (DVD)
Date:	14/01/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: outstanding performance by Hawke

Disadvantages: i didnt want it to end

Gattaca is one of my all time favourite sci-fi movies. I am not a huge fan of the genre, I must admit, in fact my reason for being such a big fan of this movie is because it relies so little on the genre for its story to be told.

I am not interested in writing a review that simply copies information from the IMDB, or that simply tells the plot. I want to review the themes in the movie, to let you know what my take on it was.

In that respect then, as I have said, one of the best things about this movie is that it is not your usual sci-fi film. It is so much more than that, whilst being less than sci-fi. The crux of the movie hinges on a sci-fi premis, but other than some references to that, there really isnt all that much sci-fi to be seen. I think this is a good thing. There are no aliens to contend with. No robots becoming self-aware. All of the usual devices of the genre are stripped away.What you are left with is character, which is something so often lacking in sci-fi.

The plot does tie the movie firmly in the sci-fi genre, but it is not central to ones viewing of the movie, rather it is something in the background that hovers around you like a vague sense of recolection.

Ethan Hawke acts out of his skin in this movie. He portrays a character who carries a social stigma by virtue of his birth right, and effectively displays a torrent of emotion just below the surface of frustration and self-pity. This is all masked to the outside world by a facade of confidence and control.

As the plot develops we are encouraged to wonder whether or not Hawkes secret will be found out. Will he get away with his rouse.

The central theme of this movie is one of combatting judgementalism. Hawkes character is judged to be all but a social leper by his birth condition. The movie is his attempt to ovecome that. To cheat his way onto a level playing field and to prove his self worth.

Summary: a great movie that does not rely on its genre.