Comparison Of The Film “Gattaca” And The Short Story “Movement”

Science fiction texts focus on the past, and explore various futures. Science fiction authors use conventions to highlight the differences between the current and future, specifically manipulating the setting and characters to make comments on the present. This is illustrated by Andrew Niccol’s Gattaca (1997) and Nancy Fulda’s Movement (2012) short story. Both texts make a comment on human will’s ability to override determinism using unique characters’ perspectives. However, while Fulda’s story Movement highlights a loss of both social interactions due to technology, a stereotypical and key feature of the science fiction genre, Niccol’s film Gattaca exposes issues of genetic discrimination in a technologically-driven world. Science fiction texts offer readers insight into the use of fictional futures by authors to comment on the present. Science fiction texts make use of fictional futures in order to highlight the control that humans have over determinism by using unique characters. Movement is a story about Hannah Didier who is trapped between her parents and her indecision as to whether she should ‘fix’ her autism. The statements “No new sneakers… I can’t dance in the same shoes…new footwear ” are repeated throughout. This is Hannah Didier’s perspective. Her parents don’t believe in fixing people, but instead in fixing them. However, the repetition suggests that she wants to control her destiny. Hannah’s temporal autistic disorder will be ‘fixed’, which is illustrated by the statement ‘I couldn’t dance the same in new heels . This discredits the idea of accepting one’s fate. Hannah serves as a reminder that one can adapt and fit in to a society regardless of their personality. Gattaca also exemplifies how the will of humanity can overcome fate and determinism. Its protagonist Vincent escapes both his genetic makeup as well as his future. Vincent refuses the temptation to be a socially conformist degenerate. Instead, he decides to pursue his dreams to explore space with sheer will. The pivotal scene where Vincent defeats3e his brother in a swimming competition is a great example of how willpower can overcome genetic limitations. The background’s crashing waves symbolise Vincent’s human drive to overcome obstacles and genoism in society. Gattaca’s Vincent, however, is the symbol of his self-individualism while Movement Hannah Didier’s Hannah, acts as a reminder to society. Science fiction texts can effectively make comments on the current by using story setting and character. Gattaca uses the setting of a society made up of genetically-engineered, and thus perfect individuals to highlight the dangers of rapid technological progression on society. Vincent Freeman, the protagonist is genetically disqualified as a person who is genetically defective. He says this in his voice-over. This scene depicts the rise of discrimination in society due to rapid technological progress. Movement, however, criticizes how technological advances can cause social isolation through science fiction futurities. Hannah’s grandparents made a funny comment about how Hannah was young: “Remember how things were when we weren’t so young?” It was like we were crowding a…game console. It’s a shame we don’t know any better …”. This demonstrates a lack of social interaction that directly correlates with technological advancements. The contrast between the speculative technology known as the “Vastness”, which allows people to connect, and the way that individuals connect using game consoles, currently shows the gradual disappearance of an interconnected society. It is typical of a science-fiction text. Although science fiction settings and futures are often similar, different comments can emerge due to the author’s use language. Science fiction texts like Andrew Niccol’s Gattaca or Nancy Fulda’s Movement make a comment on the present through exploring fictional futures using a variety of conventions. Both texts praise the superiority of human will to determinism via powerful protagonists. Gattaca and Movement are both interested in the future of technology, but they have different messages. Individuals can get a deeper understanding of the current by reading about authors’ commentary through the use setting and character.

Author

  • davidwong

    David Wong is a 29-year-old educator and blogger who focuses on helping students learn in creative and interesting ways. He has a background in teaching and has been blogging since 2006. David's work has been featured on a variety of websites, including Lifehack, Dumb Little Man, and The Huffington Post.