Essay Examples

1.

Gattaca is a science fiction film that focuses on biology and technology and the possibilities the two could create in the distant future. In a world where there are genetically engineered humans (valids) and biological born humans(in-valids), Vincent, an in-valid, teams up with Jerome, a valid, to achieve his dreams of going to space. Gattaca uses color schemes, montages, and mise-en-scene as rhetorical devices to further bring the viewer into Vincent’s world, and to tell the story between the defiance of limitations and the battle of identity. It is a great film that subtly highlights certain social issues occurring as of now, while telling a story of bravery and courage despite barriers put into place.

An integral rhetorical device at play is the use of color to denote certain emotions or transitions in Vincent’s story. The colors switch from yellow, to green, to blue. Each color represents a time in Vincent’s life: the past, present future, as well as transitions and interlaps between him and Jerome. Green can be seen when there is an intersection between Jerome and Vincent, and they are usually seen in the same frame. As Vincent officially takes on Jerome’s name as they look onto Gattaca, the background is bright green bushes. This is the first intersection for Vincent as he switches from Vincent to Jerome. Another time green is a prominent color is when he and Irene are getting stopped at a checkpoint. The officials are searching for Vincent, and he must take his contacts out to slip through. The risk of his cover being blown represented the intersection between Vincent as Jerome and Vincent as himself. This bright wash of green also gave viewers the feeling that his identity was at risk.

Yellow is seen when we get a glimpse of Vincent’s’ In-valid past, like when he swims against his brother and loses. As he accepts his loss he lays in the murky yellow water, giving in to his imperfections. The yellow represented the genetic limitations that were programmed against him due to his DNA. As the story continues, yellow becomes a less prominent color in Vincent’s life because he realizes that his genetic predispositions could no longer hold him back. Blue has been used to color Vincent once he becomes Jerome. As Vincent exfoliates himself in the incinerator, it is a vibrant blue. This complete contrast of yellow signifies that he is now the complete opposite of his in-valid self. He has taken on a new personality and has in spirit become Jerome. Blue is also seen as Jerome and Vincent speak for the last time, signifying that Vincent is no longer Vincent, but that he has now truly become Jerome.

The color schemes were used as a way for the viewer to understand how Vincent sees the world. When he is vulnerable, or triumphant, battling between the image of him and Jerome, the background translates into what he is feeling. This can also be noticed in the mise-en-scene. The architecture in Vincent’s world is sleek, smooth surfaces with polished floors, walls bare of detail or color. This reflects the strive of perfection state that the world has fallen in. If you are not born perfect, you strive to be perfect. The scenery allows us to see the world as Vincent sees it. Another important part of the mise-en-scene is Jerome’s homes. In the middle of his floor is a large spiral staircase, resembling DNA, the one thing that brings Jerome and Vincent together. This later becomes an obstacle that the real Jerome must overcome to keep their secret, also reflecting a biological obstacle.

Montages can be seen when Vincent is explaining his process every morning since transitioning to Jerome, as well as his transition to become Jerome. Him filling the faux fingerprint, the bags of blood and urine, hair samples, exfoliating. These clips familiarize the viewer with the characters rituals, enhancing the feeling of experiencing the highs and lows that Vincent experiences.

I believe the movie was very good. It was the perfect mix of cinematic elements and science. The use of montages gave the viewer a glimpse of who Vincent was, the color choices allowed for a more in depth understanding of Vincent’s world, and mise-en-scene was used to place to viewer into Vincent’s world.