Gattaca-the Rivalry of Brothers Vincent and Anton Freeman

Courage and Heroism:

In Gattaca, courage and heroism is centralized around the rivalry of brothers Vincent and Anton Freeman. As Vincent’s name implies, he is a ‘free-man’, free to do and go whatever and wherever he wants or feels he need to, as long as he is willing to put in the hard yards. Freeman does not apply to Anton, because his destiny was almost predestined. Vincent’s courage and heroism largely comes to surface when he finally beats his Valid brother in a game they call ‘Chicken’. This is where they swim out into the ocean until one is too scared or too tired and turn back. When Vincent won, he actually had to save his brother Anton from drowning showing on a large scale his heroism. Vincent won by using his determination, courage and unwavering mental strength. This event sets in motion Vincent’s rise to a First Class Navigator in Gattaca. This is achieved by Vincent realising that he is a ‘free-man’ and that he can do whatever he sets his mind to.

Technology versus The Natural Order:

In the battle of Technology versus Nature, the obvious side with the advantage is that of Technology. Technology is programmed to be whatever the programmer chooses it to be, but because of nature’s independence and freedom, the scales are starting to even. This is shown by Vincent achieving his dreams and goals, of defeating his Valid brother Anton in ‘Chicken’, working at Gattaca – at his rank, and by doing what some Valid’s could never achieve, fly to the stars. Technology – the Valids – might think they are better than In-Valids in every way and that they are the perfect humans, but Nature is ever evolving and ever improving upon itself, where Technology could not be appreciated, nor could it survive, nor exist without Nature. Nature and Technology are a balanced weight, as any contrast and dichotomy, such as; good and evil or day and night.

The Individual and Society:

Gattaca portrays a society that has the same basic aim – human perfection, in intelligence, beauty, physical attributes, et cetera – as that of the Nazi’s. While the individual, who is represented by Vincent Freeman, has their own set of values, mainly to be free, to achieve their goals and to reach their dreams. In Gattaca’s futuristic world, there is a clash of needs and wants of the individual and society as a whole. Society feels a want and a need to control the outcome of the human race and to dominate the globe. The Valids are not particularly bothered by the In-Valids, as long as the In-Valids are not treated as equals but as a second class, limited to mundane jobs and menial labour and have as little as possible – preferably none – interaction with the Valids.

Ethics and Morality:

The ethics in Gattaca are astonishingly similar to our current ethics, but far more disgusting. This is because you are discriminated or praised for your parents’ choice of how you should be conceived. Morality is based around Vincent, but also concerns Irene. Irene finds out that Vincent is an In-Valid wearing a Valids shoes, but decides, probably because they are alike and she has found a so-called ‘soul mate’, someone to confide in, to keep this information to herself. Irene’s own moral values led her to this decision, which she felt was morally correct, and protect Vincent as much as possible. The ethics are similar to our ethics because we do discriminate against people who look, talk, walk or even act different to ourselves. We are not much better than the people in Gattaca; the only difference is we treat people bad by their exterior and the Gattacan’s judge by their interior.

Discrimination and Injustice:

In Gattaca, a whole new form and level of discrimination has been introduced. This new form of discrimination – called “Genoism” – has made all other forms of discrimination obsolete. Though no-one will admit to it, being a Valid is the only way you can make something of yourself in the ‘World of Tomorrow’. The only way to reach your dreams and goals. You could be any colour, creed or gender, but as long as you are a Valid, you can be almost anything. Even the terms Valid and In-Valid could be called Genoism. Being called an In-Valid is almost like being told you are of no value and therefore no use to anyone. Injustice only affects the In-Valids. They are the only people that are mistreated and have had an unfair existence. Everyone looks, feels and sounds exactly like any other human, the only difference between a Valid and an In-Valid, is their DNA, which is what makes an In-Valid inferior.