Scientific and technological studies have advanced at such a pace that the strange science fiction stories of the past are now realities. Recent breakthroughs in genetic mapping and engineering have enabled scientists to read an individual’s genetic makeup and make close to accurate predictions of future qualities and even ailments of anyone. The degree of reliability on such forecasts is such that medical techniques allow the physicians to get rid of possible health risks at conception and infancy before they even occur.
Gattaca (1997), albeit with a few liberal exaggerations, try to reflect or approximate these scientific realities and apply hypothetical situations where humans live and die on the basis of their genes. The movie showcases the varied possible uses for genetic science. Even while most of these are yet to be incorporated in our lives, the principle behind the plot is already common knowledge not only to scientists but to the average person as well.
The basic premise of the movie is the pre-deterministic powers of the genes. Accordingly, since a person can only achieve things in life as his genes would allow him, then it is but practical to separate the fit from the unfit. Defective citizens are relegated to the outskirts of the commerce of men. Of course, at present, any suggestion as to determinism in a man’s life is scary, but soon enough the notion will take commonplace in our lives.
Insurance companies, who are in the business of calculating and assuming risks in their policies, will surely find this idea delightful. The greater problem here then is genetic discrimination. Where a man, with healthy amounts of will-power, ambition and persistence (perhaps an un-mappable genetic trait) but no superior genes, he shall become an outcast.
At this point, genes can only predict too much an extent, but intangible human abilities and the presence of serendipity or misfortune, whatever the case may be, still play a major in our lives. Genes determine the hardware little of what happens when it is applied to unique circumstances, thus yielding infinite possibilities to how a man lives. Even Insurance companies have to concede to this fact of life.
Reference DeVito, D. & Shamberg, M. (Producer), & Niccol, A. (Director). (1997). Gattaca. United States: Colombia Tri-Star Home Video.