Using the film Gattaca to write a character essay in Eng 10

1. Themes and EssayThemes and Essay

2. This Pun (a play on
words) demonstrates the
challenges faced by
Vincent and others living
in the dystopian society
depicted in the film
Gattaca

3. OppressionOppression
““As night-fall does not come at once, neitherAs night-fall does not come at once, neither
does oppression… It is in such twilight thatdoes oppression… It is in such twilight that
we all must be aware of change in the air –we all must be aware of change in the air –
however slight – lest we become victims ofhowever slight – lest we become victims of
the darkness.”the darkness.”
- Justice William O. Douglas- Justice William O. Douglas

4. Vincent journeys through
the cell to be reborn

5. Premise of the ExpositionPremise of the Exposition
 GattacaGattaca is set in a future where science,is set in a future where science,
and not religion, has taken over society.and not religion, has taken over society.
Because it has been taken to the extremeBecause it has been taken to the extreme
this is a dystopiathis is a dystopia
 A new form of discrimination has arisen,A new form of discrimination has arisen,
called GENOISM, discrimination accordingcalled GENOISM, discrimination according
to one’s genetic purity.to one’s genetic purity.
What are three examples of how people areWhat are three examples of how people are
discriminated by their genes indiscriminated by their genes in GattacaGattaca??

6. Science vs. Religion (or Ethics)Science vs. Religion (or Ethics)
 GattacaGattaca depicts a world in which the pacedepicts a world in which the pace
of scientific discovery has been leftof scientific discovery has been left
unchecked by moralist and ethical debate.unchecked by moralist and ethical debate.
 Under the seemingly clean andUnder the seemingly clean and
progressive society, is a dark worldprogressive society, is a dark world
deteriorating under the simple fact ofdeteriorating under the simple fact of
genetic purity and lack of individuality.genetic purity and lack of individuality.

7. The World ofThe World of GattacaGattaca is Dystopicis Dystopic
 How is the world ofHow is the world of GattacaGattaca Dystopic?Dystopic?
 It could be a utopian world: most peopleIt could be a utopian world: most people
are engineered to be born with little or noare engineered to be born with little or no
disabilities.disabilities.
 But it is a dystopia. It is a perfect world,But it is a dystopia. It is a perfect world,
but only perfect for those who arebut only perfect for those who are
genetically gifted.genetically gifted.
 Lack of individuality.Lack of individuality.

8. GattacaGattaca is Dystopic and Oppressiveis Dystopic and Oppressive
 Numerous identity checks.Numerous identity checks.
 Police and detectives all uniformed in greyPolice and detectives all uniformed in grey
trenchcoats and bring up memories of dark secrettrenchcoats and bring up memories of dark secret
police organisations (e.g. SS in the Nazi regime)police organisations (e.g. SS in the Nazi regime)
 Buildings are large, bare and artificial and hugeBuildings are large, bare and artificial and huge
compared to individual.compared to individual.
 Surfaces of the world are polished clean andSurfaces of the world are polished clean and
shiny, and almost sterile (lacking in individualism).shiny, and almost sterile (lacking in individualism).

9. Themes in GattacaThemes in Gattaca
 Genetic Engineering and the moral and ethicalGenetic Engineering and the moral and ethical
issues surrounding it.issues surrounding it.
 Human Frailty vs. Inhuman PerfectionHuman Frailty vs. Inhuman Perfection
 Oppression and DiscriminationOppression and Discrimination
 Science vs. Religion (or “Ethics”)Science vs. Religion (or “Ethics”)
 Choose one of these to expand into a completeChoose one of these to expand into a complete
theme statementtheme statement

11. Names in GattacaNames in Gattaca
 Jerome = Genome (Genetic material)Jerome = Genome (Genetic material)
 Morrow = i.e. as in toMorrow = i.e. as in tomorrowmorrow (of the future)(of the future)
 ““Eugene” = comes from Greek, which means “well born”Eugene” = comes from Greek, which means “well born”
 Eugenics – Science of improving the hereditary qualities ofEugenics – Science of improving the hereditary qualities of
a race or breed.a race or breed.
 Vincent – means ‘to conquer’Vincent – means ‘to conquer’
 Freeman – pretty self explanatory, right?Freeman – pretty self explanatory, right?
 Gattaca = GTCA, symbols for four main chemicals in DNA.Gattaca = GTCA, symbols for four main chemicals in DNA.
 ““Hoovers” or “J. Edgars” = vacuum cleaning brand and alsoHoovers” or “J. Edgars” = vacuum cleaning brand and also
J. Edgar Hoover, director of FBI.J. Edgar Hoover, director of FBI.
 Irene Cassini – the Cassini division is the largest gap inIrene Cassini – the Cassini division is the largest gap in
Saturn’s ringsSaturn’s rings

12. Discrimination and OppressionDiscrimination and Oppression
 Examples of discrimination:Examples of discrimination:
Labels – “Invalid” – in today’s world thisLabels – “Invalid” – in today’s world this
means useless.means useless.
Use of illegal genetic testing in job interviews.Use of illegal genetic testing in job interviews.
““God-child” and “Faith birth”God-child” and “Faith birth”
Other examples?Other examples?

13. Notice how everyone basically looks the
same and that it is only their blood that
differentiates between them

14. Vincent’s costume changes throughout the
film also represent the individual’s
personality. He goes from the quirky spiky
haired kid, to the unkempt janitor, to
wearing boiler suits that refer to the
genetically inferior, to wearing the dark
suits of the Gattaca employees,
representing the genetically superior.

15. Visual metaphors which showVisual metaphors which show
OppressionOppression
 Motifs (repeated symbols) of glass and water,Motifs (repeated symbols) of glass and water,
which illustrate the invisible walls Vincent iswhich illustrate the invisible walls Vincent is
rebelling against.rebelling against.
 E.x: Vincent looking through the glass of Gattaca as a janitor.E.x: Vincent looking through the glass of Gattaca as a janitor.
 The swimming scenes and Anton as a symbol ofThe swimming scenes and Anton as a symbol of
the society who rejects Vincent. (but he keepsthe society who rejects Vincent. (but he keeps
trying anyway)trying anyway)
 Bars are a metaphor for the visible barriers (findBars are a metaphor for the visible barriers (find
three examples in the film)three examples in the film)

16. The Bars as Symbols
• Throughout the film, Vincent
(and Irene) can be seen behind
various bars.
•Prisoners of their society
because of their inferior (or so-
called) genetic make-up.
• They are held back from their
dreams, but Vincent refuses to
play his part

17. These scenes even look like a race with
flags on the shore for start and finish. We
see that Anton is always just a little in the
lead

19. What is the symbolism
of the ladder?
•“Borrowed ladder”
•DNA Double Helix
•Social status
Notice Jerome trapped by the DNA at the
bottom looking up

20. …while Vincent, as Jerome, is able to travel up it
Yes, literally Vincent can go up stairs and Jerome cannot, but this is symbolic.
Vincent can travel beyond what his dna limited him to while Jerome cannot get
past it

21. Human Frailty vs. InhumanHuman Frailty vs. Inhuman
PerfectionPerfection
 Who is the best example of human frailty inWho is the best example of human frailty in
GattacaGattaca? How is it shown?? How is it shown?
 Who is the best example of inhuman perfection?Who is the best example of inhuman perfection?
How is it shown?How is it shown?
 How is the way this theme is shown ironic?How is the way this theme is shown ironic?
 Vincent spends his life trying to hide his frailty.Vincent spends his life trying to hide his frailty.
 Eugene ends his life as a result of not being ableEugene ends his life as a result of not being able
to cope with his imperfection.to cope with his imperfection.

22. What is the relationship betweenWhat is the relationship between
Vincent and Jerome?Vincent and Jerome?
 Vincent and Jerome form a kind ofVincent and Jerome form a kind of
symbiosissymbiosis (advantageous relationship between two(advantageous relationship between two
animals or people e.g. sharks, pilot fish)animals or people e.g. sharks, pilot fish)
 What does Vincent need from Jerome?What does Vincent need from Jerome?
 What does Jerome need from Vincent?What does Jerome need from Vincent?
 What do they receive (think about final sceneWhat do they receive (think about final scene
between the two)?between the two)?

23. "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

24. 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?"

25. Theme Statements
Step One: Decide what main ideas are present in the film Gattaca.
Ex: the consequences of eugenics
accepted personal limitations
Step Two: Now ask yourself what the film ( or the director) is trying to
say about that main idea
What is this film trying to say about the consequences
of eugenics? Ex: while gene manipulation may be
done with the best of intentions, humans will
use the technology to improve things that may
not need improving upon
Step Three: Put those two elements together to formulate a theme
statement about Gattaca
Theme statement:

26. Essay TopicsEssay Topics
Choose one of the following topics to develop into a five paragraph essay:
1.Discuss how Vincent Freeman is able to triumph over his restrictive society
to achieve his dreams
2.Compare and contrast Jerome with Vincent by taking a side of which man
makes the better “Jerome Morrow”.
3.Like Vincent, Jerome is a dynamic character. Discuss how and why Jerome
changes throughout the film.
4.Vincent and Anton may be brothers, but their lives could not be more
different. Discuss these men’s lives as symbols in context of the film.

27. Thesis Statement
Just as any film or story will be centered around making main points
(themes), an essay too must have a focus. Unlike a film, an essay’s focus
must be singular. An essay’s focus is expressed in a thesis statement.
A thesis statement is:
•A sentence that tells readers the controlling idea your paper covers.
•Your entire paper squeezed in 1-2 sentences at the end of the introduction.
•Your distinct position on the subject (opinion);
•a specific thought about topic
I think of it as: specific topic + specific opinion = thesis

28. What will your essay prove?What will your essay prove?
specific topic + specific opinion =thesis
1.Using your essay topic, it is time to formulate the focus of your paper.
2.Using the thesis formula, write a thesis statement for your Gattaca essay.
3.Be sure your thesis includes clearly what you are going to prove
4.I must see your thesis statement and sign-off on it before you can go any
further.
Vincent Freeman, in the film Gattaca, demonstrates that with belief in oneself
and perseverance, achieving the so-called impossible, is possible.
Specific topic Specific Opinion
+

29. .
Thesis
statement
Main
Point #1
Main
Point
#2
Main
Point
#3
Support #1
Support #2
Support #3
Support #4 =Quote
(from quote sheet)

33. Writing an Introduction (Introductory Paragraph)

34. Most parents tell their children that they can be anything they want
when they grow up. Not Vincent Freeman’s. His parents, in the futuristic
world of the film Gattaca, do not encourage their son to dream big for his
future because they know success has not been bred into his genetic
code. Despite being set-up for a menial life by his family and society,
young Vincent dares to dream. His dedication to that dream changes the
course of his life, and even when it seems like everything is going to fall
apart, Vincent remains focused. Proving to society that success is not
genetic, Vincent Freeman demonstrates that with belief in oneself and
perseverance, achieving the so-called impossible, is possible.
Writing An Introduction
Ends with
my thesis
My 3 main
points
introduced
My hook
The work I am
discussing

35. Topic SentencesTopic Sentences
Every paragraph should include a topic
sentence that identifies the main idea of
the paragraph. A topic sentence also
states the point the writer wishes to make
about that subject. Generally, the topic
sentence appears at the beginning of the
paragraph.
Every topic sentence must work to prove
your thesis

36. Body Paragraph #1Body Paragraph #1
= main point #1= main point #1
Both the society that Vincent is born into and his parents
believe that he could never achieve his dream of space travel, but
that did not keep Vincent from believing in himself. Born as a “god-
child”, Vincent’s genes are not modified by the societal standard of
eugenics. In a society where one’s path in life and success are
linked with their DNA, this choice to not Alter Vincent’s genetic
make-up is a form of neglect and abuse. They have gambled with
Vincent’s chance to live a happy life because of their own want to
conceive in a natural way. This is his parents essentially setting him
up to fail. When it becomes clear that the infant Vincent has health
issues, his parents write-off his chances of having any sort of
successful life. His father’s disappointment is clear when he denies
the baby Vincent the name originally intended for him of Anton, in
honour of his father. The name is instead saved for his genetically
engineered brother. While society continues to limit Vincent by
denying him entry to programs, he looks to his own dreams for
support. Vincent dreams of space travel, studying it with intensity
despite discouragement. His parents, rather than encouraging their
child’s passion and curiosity want him to face the cold fact that “the
only way you’ll ever see the inside of a spaceship is if you are
cleaning it”. Still, Vincent does not lose hope, instead he continues
to compete with his brother, dreaming of the so-called impossible.
Because he doesn’t give up, he is able to beat his brother in a
game of chicken. This is the first clear demonstration to Vincent
that dreams can be achieved, and it gives him the self- confidence
to take control of his life. He packs up his belongings and sets out
toward his dream of space travel.
•The point of this paragraph is to beThe point of this paragraph is to be
the first pieces of evidence towardthe first pieces of evidence toward
proving my thesis statement.proving my thesis statement.
•I must present the evidence in a wayI must present the evidence in a way
that explores and explains my pointsthat explores and explains my points
and does not simply summarize theand does not simply summarize the
story.story.
•I must continue to ask myself, whatI must continue to ask myself, what
does this prove and be explicit indoes this prove and be explicit in
discussing that aspectdiscussing that aspect
•For every piece of evidence or quote IFor every piece of evidence or quote I
offer, I should include 2-3 sentences ofoffer, I should include 2-3 sentences of
my own ideas discussing that piece ofmy own ideas discussing that piece of
supportsupport
•Any time I use quotes and support, IAny time I use quotes and support, I
want them to flow with my own wordswant them to flow with my own words

37. Both the society that Vincent is born into and his parents believe that he
could never achieve his dream of space travel, but that did not keep Vincent from
believing in himself. Born as a “god-child”, Vincent’s genes are not modified by the
societal standard of eugenics. In a society where one’s path in life and success are
linked with their DNA, this choice to not alter Vincent’s genetic make-up is a form of
neglect and abuse. They have gambled with Vincent’s chance to live a happy life
because of their own want to conceive in a natural way. This is his parents
essentially setting him up to fail. When it becomes clear that the infant Vincent has
health issues, his parents write-off his chances of having any sort of successful life.
His father’s disappointment is clear when he denies the baby Vincent the name
originally intended for him of Anton, in honour of his father. The name is instead
saved for his genetically engineered brother. While society continues to limit Vincent
by denying him entry to programs, he looks to his own dreams for support. Vincent
dreams of space travel, studying it with intensity despite discouragement. His
parents, rather than encouraging their child’s passion and curiosity want him to face
the cold fact that “the only way you’ll ever see the inside of a spaceship is if you are
cleaning it”. Still, Vincent does not lose hope, instead he continues to compete with
his brother, dreaming of the so-called impossible. Because he doesn’t give up, he is
able to beat his brother in a game of chicken. This is the first clear demonstration to
Vincent that dreams can be achieved, and it gives him the self- confidence to take
control of his life. He packs up his belongings and sets out toward his dream of
space travel.

39. Writing A Concluding Paragraph
Having read your essay, the reader should understand your thesis with fresh
and deeper understanding, and your conclusion needs to reflect what the
reader has learned. It serves as a reminder of what has already been proven.
Your Conclusion (Concluding Paragraph) Needs To:
•Restate your thesis in a new way
•Revisit your main points in a new way to remind the reader what you already
proved
•Not introduce any new information
•Not use “in conclusion”, “the end”, “fin”, “lastly”, or “finally”
•Have a concluding statement that leaves your reader nodding in agreement

40. Concluding Paragraph
Thesis statement restated in a new way
to begin the conclusion
Concluding statement to bring the
essay to a close

41. Writing A Concluding Paragraph
Perseverance and determination are personified in Vincent
Freeman. These traits allow him to achieve his dream of traveling to
space despite his supposed heart defect and societal limitations. In a
world that tried to hold Vincent back and make him see its harsh reality,
Vincent dared to dream beyond his biological limitations. He bravely
walked away from his family and a personal life to become a new man.
As Jerome Morrow he faced many obstacles, but still he pushed toward
the stars. Even when he was revealed as a fraud, his determination had
won others over to his cause. Vincent Freeman not only dared to dream,
but he had the audacity to go for it, proving that there is “no gene for the
human spirit”
Be sure your concluding
statement offers your reader
closure

42. An original title that
connects to your topic
• Microsoft
Word font
size 12
• Times New
Roman or
Calibri
• Double
Spaced
• Properly
indented
MLA Formatting
looks like this
An original title
Page numbers are
needed

43. Your Original
Title - centered
Notice that there are no
page numbers on the
title page
Your name
The Class Name
Teacher’s Name
The date of hand-in
MLA Title Page

44. MLA – Works Cited Page
This is a separate page that gives credit to the books, stories, articles and websites you have
cited (quoted) in your paper.
Example Film:
Ed Wood. Dir. Tim Burton. Touchstone, 1994.
DVD.
Film name. Director
name. Film Studio name.
Release date. Format.
Gattaca.Dir. Andrew Nichol. Sony Pictures ,
1998. DVD
Works Cited
Last name page #