Themes and EssayThemes and Essay

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

OppressionOppression

““As night-fall does not come at once, neither As night-fall does not come at once, neither does oppression… It is in such twilight that does 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 of however slight – lest we become victims of the darkness.”the darkness.”

- Justice William O. Douglas- Justice William O. Douglas

Vincent journeys through the cell to be reborn

Premise of the ExpositionPremise of the ExpositionGattacaGattaca 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 extreme Because 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 according called GENOISM, discrimination according to one’s genetic purity.to one’s genetic purity.What are three examples of how people are What are three examples of how people are

discriminated by their genes in discriminated by their genes in GattacaGattaca??

Science vs. Religion (or Ethics)Science vs. Religion (or Ethics)

GattacaGattaca depicts a world in which the pace depicts a world in which the pace of scientific discovery has been left of scientific discovery has been left unchecked by moralist and ethical debate.unchecked by moralist and ethical debate.

Under the seemingly clean and Under the seemingly clean and progressive society, is a dark world progressive society, is a dark world deteriorating under the simple fact of deteriorating under the simple fact of genetic purity and lack of individuality.genetic purity and lack of individuality.

The World of The World of GattacaGattaca is Dystopic is Dystopic

How is the world of How is the world of GattacaGattaca Dystopic? Dystopic? It could be a utopian world: most people It could be a utopian world: most people

are engineered to be born with little or no are 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 are but only perfect for those who are genetically gifted.genetically gifted.

Lack of individuality.Lack of individuality.

Gattaca Gattaca is Dystopic and Oppressiveis Dystopic and Oppressive Numerous identity checks.Numerous identity checks.

Police and detectives all uniformed in grey Police and detectives all uniformed in grey trenchcoats and bring up memories of dark secret trenchcoats 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 huge Buildings are large, bare and artificial and huge compared to individual.compared to individual.

Surfaces of the world are polished clean and Surfaces of the world are polished clean and shiny, and almost sterile (lacking in individualism).shiny, and almost sterile (lacking in individualism).

Themes in GattacaThemes in Gattaca

Genetic Engineering and the moral and ethical Genetic 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 complete Choose one of these to expand into a complete theme statementtheme statement

Names in GattacaNames in Gattaca Jerome = Genome (Genetic material)Jerome = Genome (Genetic material) Morrow = i.e. as in toMorrow = i.e. as in tomorrow morrow (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 of Eugenics – 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 also Hoovers” 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 in Irene Cassini – the Cassini division is the largest gap in

Saturn’s ringsSaturn’s rings

Discrimination and OppressionDiscrimination and Oppression

Examples of discrimination:Examples of discrimination:Labels – “Invalid” – in today’s world this Labels – “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?

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

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.

Visual metaphors which show Visual metaphors which show OppressionOppression

Motifs (repeated symbols) of glass and water, Motifs (repeated symbols) of glass and water, which illustrate the invisible walls Vincent is which 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 of The swimming scenes and Anton as a symbol of the society who rejects Vincent. (but he keeps the society who rejects Vincent. (but he keeps trying anyway)trying anyway)

Bars are a metaphor for the visible barriers (find Bars are a metaphor for the visible barriers (find three examples in the film)three examples in the film)

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

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

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

…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

Human Frailty vs. Inhuman Human Frailty vs. Inhuman PerfectionPerfection

Who is the best example of human frailty in Who 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 able Eugene ends his life as a result of not being able

to cope with his imperfection.to cope with his imperfection.

What is the relationship between What is the relationship between Vincent and Jerome?Vincent and Jerome?

Vincent and Jerome form a kind of Vincent and Jerome form a kind of symbiosis symbiosis (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 scene What do they receive (think about final scene between the two)?between the two)?

"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?"

Theme StatementsStep 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 maynot need improving upon

Step Three: Put those two elements together to formulate a theme

statement about GattacaTheme statement:

Essay TopicsEssay TopicsChoose 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.

Thesis StatementJust 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

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+

.Thesis

statement

Main Point #1

Main Point

#2

Main Point

#3

Support #1

Support #2

Support #3

Support #4 =Quote(from quote sheet)

Writing an Introduction (Introductory Paragraph)

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 hookThe work I am discussing

Topic SentencesTopic SentencesEvery 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

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 be The point of this paragraph is to be the first pieces of evidence toward the first pieces of evidence toward proving my thesis statement.proving my thesis statement.

•I must present the evidence in a way I must present the evidence in a way that explores and explains my points that explores and explains my points and does not simply summarize the and does not simply summarize the story.story.

•I must continue to ask myself, what I must continue to ask myself, what does this prove and be explicit in does this prove and be explicit in discussing that aspectdiscussing that aspect

•For every piece of evidence or quote I For every piece of evidence or quote I offer, I should include 2-3 sentences of offer, I should include 2-3 sentences of my own ideas discussing that piece of my own ideas discussing that piece of supportsupport

•Any time I use quotes and support, I Any time I use quotes and support, I want them to flow with my own wordswant them to flow with my own words

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.

Writing A Concluding ParagraphHaving 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

Concluding ParagraphThesis statement restated in a new way to begin the conclusion

Concluding statement to bring the essay to a close

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

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

Your Original Title - centered

Notice that there are no page numbers on the title page

Your nameThe Class NameTeacher’s NameThe date of hand-in

MLA Title Page

MLA – Works Cited PageThis 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 #