Gattaca
...relationships in the film. The relationship between Vincent and Eugene develops into more than just business partners. First introduced by the broker, Eugene, driven by the money and the desire to continue his lifestyle, shows no respect to Vincent as seen when all the urine samples are contaminated with alcohol on Vincent's job interview. However, Eugene and Vincent eventually become so attached that Eugene sacrificed his own life so Vincent would always be Jerome Morrow. Eugene's love and friendship are also shown when he climbs the staircase for Vincent's sake, slowly and painfully and fighting his fear of heights at the same time. It is a metaphor for raising ourselves to a new level of understanding, one in which the will overcomes genetic determination and totalitarian control. Despite having overcome their genetic and physical dispositions, it is clear that these men have no place on earth. Niccol has both Vincent and Eugene return to where science and religion originate. The demonstration of this is made apparent when, simultaneously, Eugene, commits suicide in a crouching womb-like position while Vincent explodes into space like "Big Bang" theory. Thus, the ethical promises entailed in science and religion, appear to defeat the tyranny of determinism as the human spirit triumphs. The frequent reminder in the film of “losing your place” is also a factor in the complex relationship between Vincent and Irene. At first Irene is jealous and suspicious of Vincent. This is shown when she secretly analyses one of Jerome Morrow's hairs. Despite her now possessing information, which could destroy Vincent, she does not use it. This is because her attraction to Vincent overrides the demands of social conformity. Her jealousy turns into love and friendship because Vincent gives her hope and shows she may one day also achieve space travel even with her restricting medical condition. Her giving Vincent one of her hairs for analysis is a sign both of love and trust, as in her forewarning Eugene of the police visit to his apartment. Vincent was finally able to achieve his life-long dream. However, it was not purely his true grit and determination, which made it successful. Vincent's relationship with Eugene, Irene, Anton, Dr Lamar and even the Director proved very helpful. Without the aid of these characters, Vincent could well have been detected as an invalid and removed from Gattaca. All these characters knew Vincent's true identity yet they had their reasons for not reporting him to the authorities. Vincent proved that there are more than just genes, and in doing so, showed that a totalitarian society is not fully possible. In the study of a totalitarian society, Niccol indicates that human response, in the form of positive emotions as demonstrated by major characters, overcome totalitarianism. Vincent would not have achieved his goal without the assistance of his friends and their willingness to lie for him suggests the extent to which the society has become totalitarian and the extent to which totalitarianism can be defeated. Furthermore, the outpouring of positive emotions, of love, affection, admiration, desire to protect by Vincent's friends and the determination shown by Vincent himself proves that totalitarian society can be thwarted. In a world where the desire for perfection and the methods used to achieve it is the central key, Niccol's view is that although genetic engineering eliminates racial prejudice, other forms of discrimination is practised. "Genoism," the discrimination based on the superiority of one's genes." In the society of "Gattaca," it is said that Genoism is illegal, yet that is not taken seriously and genetic discrimination is practised in nearly every scene of Niccol's film. The use of the words “invalid” and “degenerate” are in themselves, pejorative and show the extent to which society has been classed. Invalids, the meaning is that of disability and sickness, yet in the film, normal, healthy people, such as Vincent are classed as invalids. Furthermore, even the clothing worn by the two classes is evidence of discrimination. In the film, “valids” take up most of the movie length and in that time nearly all “valids” wear suits, ties, coats, polished shoes-a sign of sophistication. Even Jerome, who does not go to work wears a tie, gels his hair and wears black polished shoes. However, in the scenes where invalids are isolated...