Spiral staircase DNA the doublehelix model of DNA

Spiral staircase / DNA the double-helix model of DNA. a society founded upon genetics and scientific ideals + staircase also represents human drive and determination (climbing the social ladder) Saturn’s revolving moons + corridor that leads to the spaceship (end) Human cells / parallel with Titan (closing scene) Main character looking towards the right the future

GATTACA : The genetic code is written using four “letters, ” G, A, T, and C, each of which represents a molecule known as a nucleotide. The human genome contains about 3 billion nucleic acids, which means that the sequence GATTACA probably occurs in the human genome about 180, 000 times. Jerôme Eugene Morrow: Jerome's first name alludes to 'Genome', the genetic material of an organism. Similarly, his middle name Eugene symbolises eugenics. Morrow tomorrow? Marrow? Vincent Freeman : first name drawn from the Latin verb 'Vincere': to conquer or win / Freeman historically, 'freeman' was the title given to a slave who, through their achievements, became an emancipated citizen. Here triumph against adversity / determination will lead to freedom (importance of the human spirit Titan : the biggest of Saturn’s moon. . In Greek mythology, the Titans were an immensely strong race capable of challenging the gods. In Roman mythology, Saturn was the father of the gods.

Opening sequence (with credits) https: //www. artofthetitle. com/title/gattaca/ Colours? Shots ? Meaning? Background is a sterile blue (medicine / science / clinical) Close-ups and extreme close-ups on skin, nails and hair. First, the tips of finger nails fall from above so large that they take up the width of the screen, and fall with a deafening thud. Eeyelash follicles are dropped, slowly falling and settling on the table so big that they look like ropes. Skin flakes sprinkle down appearing like snow flakes. Camera pans to an extreme-close-up of Vincent shaving his face and the hair follicles and skin cells that fall when he does this. Close-up of him throughly scrubbing his skin with a coarse brush, before burning the accumulated particles in an incinerator. Foreshadows the film's exploration of scientific ideas and the society's obsession with DNA and genetic material.

Opening scene The scene begins with a panning shot of the interior of the Gattaca Institute. The crisp white walls, artificial light and minimalistic decorations indicate the structured and rigid nature of the society, as there is no room for imperfections. An establishing shot indicates hundreds of workers dressed in suits, ascending an elevator. The costuming and low-angle shots of the rising figures indicate that these are the elite in society. Among these figures, the camera zooms in towards an unnamed man, who becomes the protagonist of the film. We first see him as he reaches the very top of the elevator, foreshadowing his remarkable success and transition throughout the film. His appearance is very professional, as he has slicked back hair, a suit and a tie. He pricks his finger on a device, activating a green light, signaling his genetic code. He walks away with a confident step.

Sound effects illustrate the lack of warmth within the institute, as repetitive loud footsteps emphasize the monotony and lack of individuality within the place. As the man, introduced as Jerome, sits at his desk, he uses a small vacuum to clean particles from his computer keyboard. We do not learn until later in the film that he is doing this to eradicate any traces of his DNA. There is then an extreme close up as he opens a jar and sprinkles its contents – skin, hair and nails – around his work station. Skin, hair and nails are a key motif throughout the film, as they represent the society’s obsession with genetic material. In this first scene, we learn that the man referred to as Jerome is an astronaut, and will be travelling to Titan within a week. The scene then moves to a doctor’s office, where the man undertakes a substance test. Urine tests and blood tests are a common practice within the institute, to ensure that workers are who they claim to be. When his sample is analyzed, his name appears on a computer screen under the name ‘Jerome Morrow: VALID’, beside the infinity symbol, representing success and endless possibilities. We find out the meaning of the term ‘valid’ during flashbacks in later scenes, and this delay of information creates suspense and intrigue.

The scene ends with the protagonist narrating, his voice over occurring as he walks towards a window and gazes at a spaceship leaving earth. The voice over states: “The most unremarkable of events. Jerome Morrow, navigator first class, is about to embark on a one year mission to Titan. For Jerome, selection was almost guaranteed at birth. He’s blessed with all the gifts required for such an undertaking: a genetic quotient second to none. Know there is truly nothing remarkable about the progress of Jerome Morrow, except that I am not Jerome Morrow. ”

Determinism How the 2 brothers were conceived https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=RL 4 Yul. T_G 9 k Compare how the 2 brothers were conceived and comment on the 2 scenes.