Download Andrew Niccol, Gattaca (1997) Guide and study questions 1. The

Andrew Niccol, Gattaca (1997)
Guide and study questions
1. The key notion that the film’s premise is based on is the idea called “eugenetics.” What is eugenetics
and what kind of moral/ethical questions does it raise? What specific branch of ethics is it associated
with? (Look it up if need be)
2. The original idea behind eugenetics is a utopian one, its main purpose being to make an imperfect
society perfect, yet the film represents a dystopian world. Why do you think it is necessary that this
“noble” idea should fail so miserably? Can you think of any specific examples from history where
similar attempts at the betterment of a society/mankind resulted in the total corruption of the original
idea(l)?
3. Pay attention to Vincent’s introductory monologue, which is, again, replete with binary oppositions.
What are these binaries and what concepts are being opposed through them?
4. It is also in Vincent’s introduction that he refers to genetic engineering as the “natural way” of
conceiving a child. How might this paradox modify our ordinary understanding of what is “natural”?
5. The film’s most significant theme of great moral relevance is discrimination, which always works
through the construction of various justificatory narratives. What is/are the source(s) of the
justificatory narratives here? How are they different from such narratives of racial, religious, or
gender discrimination?
Have fun watching the movie!
CsP