Download o what extent do you agree that films offer insight into society

o what extent do you agree that films offer insight into society (past or present)?
Respond to this question with close reference to a film (or films) you have studied.
Mark Twain once stated that “The very ink with which all history is written is merely fluid
prejudice”. This statement is extremely prevalent in Andrew Niccol’s dystopian film Gattaca
where we observe the discrimination of individuals due to prejudice that is based upon their
genes. Through the use of characterization, symbolism and theme the film provides insight
into society both past, present and future. Gattaca is also a social warning about the future of
genetics and the dangers that could potentially occur if science becomes the dominant factor
in society. a great introduction
The idea of a social class is not unusual in literature or films as it has played a significant role
in society over history and continues to do so. This idea of a class system is evident in
Gattaca where society is divided into two groups, “valids” and “invalids”. The prejudice
suffered by those who are not “valid” is a representation of the cruel, inhumane nature of
society and reflects humanity and the way human beings have allowed it to evolve into such a
hostile and sterile environment. The most shocking example of class prejudice however
comes from Vincent’s parents. With dreams of travelling to space Vincent is told that “The
only way you’ll see the inside of a space ship is if you’re cleaning it”. This blatant dismissal
of any future that is remotely successful for Vincent highlights and essentially summarises
the general attitude of society towards those who are invalid. In our society this attitude
towards individuals from differing class systems is also evident. It is presumed that an
individual born into a life of poverty and lack of education would ever succeed and become a
successful high flyer in life but through people like Oprah Winfrey it is shown that this is
possible. With prejudice attitudes such as this the question must be posed is our society much
better than that of Gataccas? Although not as extreme in regards to segregation the idea of
social superiority is evident in present day society and in some ways directly parallels to the
found in gattacan society. In keeping with its dystopian genre it is evident that the purpose of
the film is to provide a warning to society in regards to the divisive nature of the class system
and the effects it can have when prejudice is formed as it did in Gattaca. you have a clear
understanding of the key concepts of the film – it would be good to weave some actual
evidence from the film in here.
What separates Gattaca from other dystopian texts is the lack of a tragic ending for the
protagonist. Society has seen the emergence of multiple individuals whos desire to achieve a
certain goal has seen them defy society’s expectations. Actions such of this are personified
through Vincent who overcomes his greatest handicap in life- his genes, to achieve his goal
of flying to space. Although in Gattacan society “it is It is illegal to discriminate” Vincent
faced a non descript life as “no one takes the law seriously”. Through the help of the
paralysed valid Eugene Vincent was able to make the transformation from an “invalid” to a
“valid” to join “a new under class”. By making the change from Vincent to Eugene Niccol is
attempting to reinforce the idea that there is no gene for the human spirit. In the film due to
his natural creation Vincent is known as a “God Child”, as God is perceived as the higher
power who controls us it appears that Vincent’s transformation and achievement of his goal
is assisted through God. This can contrast to Irene, who although is a Valid she is not able to
achieve her goals and lacks the desire and spirit to change her future. The power of the
human spirit is evident in multiple aspects of society where individuals choose to defy what
is expected of them and accomplish greater things. Personified through Vincent the film
provides a reminder to society that with the power of the human spirit it is possible to break
down the barriers that prevent us from achieving our goals. Vincent’s actions also highlight
that regardless of our genes and stance in society there is no gene for the human spirit or the
desire to succeed. great on the theory of the film – can you think of spcific
evidence/techniques from the film to add to this ?
In recent times there has been a rapid increase in scientific technology and medical
procedures that have led to the eradication of some illness and improvement in the human
genome. Gattaca’s setting contributes to the idea of genetic perfection in the distant future
where genetics rule every aspect of society instead of nature and the human mind. Genetics
have such an influence upon society and the individual that they “now have discrimination
down to a science” as “blood has no nationality”. Instead ones nationality is simply valid or
invalid. Gattacan society has become so fixated on creating perfection that they have lost
sight of normality and subsequently one that is natural and normal is viewed as an “invalid”
and inferior both physically, mentally and genetically. This desire to eliminate undesirable
qualities in the process of gaining genetic perfection parallels to Nazi Germany and the mass
genocide of innocent Jews. Although not quite as extreme as Hitler’s regime the idea of
creating a perfect bread of people is present in both scenarios. In Gattaca Genetic
Engineering and the desire to be perfect is used as a misguided sense of idealism that has
essentially created a false environment where nobody is natural or has a true identity.
Through Irene it is realised that even with genetic technologies it is hard to obtain perfection
so the question must be posed how far will a society go to become perfect? This question is
one of the main ideas and purposes of the film. It allows each individual watching the film to
ponder how far is too far and allows the audience to realise that humanity must not let science
take over society. As science continues to develop the critical thought process of the human
mind must continue to develop so that humanity will not allow our society to evolve in to one
like Gattaca. If humanity fails allows science to become the ruling force we could potentially
face another holocaust however based upon ones genetic makeup.
Gattaca is essentially a warning to the future about the potential dangers of Genetic
perfection as science continues to evolve and develop for this reason the film offers insight
into society. Many aspects of society’s attitudes in Gattaca parallel to that found within
society today. Through the prejudice and discrimination present the audience is able to
observe what could happen if we allow science and genetics to become both God and
Government. conclusion clearly links back to the opening argument. Well done
One of the things often commented on in examiners reports is that for this standard they want
to get a sense that the students are writing about a film and not any other text – it would be
great for you to add specific visual evidence to back up your argument.
But very thorough on the themes and key ideas.
ET5