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Imagery in Gattaca

The document analyzes various imagery techniques used in the film Gattaca. It discusses the optimistic golden glow used in natural outdoor scenes contrasted with the clinical sterile interior of the Gattaca Institute. Scientific imagery like machines and the DNA double helix shape are prominently featured. Costuming emphasizes the social hierarchy with invalids in grey and valids in suits. Fire imagery represents both destruction and success. Jerome's second place medal symbolizes the flaws in the society that judged people based on genetics.

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Felix Le
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119 views2 pages

Imagery in Gattaca

The document analyzes various imagery techniques used in the film Gattaca. It discusses the optimistic golden glow used in natural outdoor scenes contrasted with the clinical sterile interior of the Gattaca Institute. Scientific imagery like machines and the DNA double helix shape are prominently featured. Costuming emphasizes the social hierarchy with invalids in grey and valids in suits. Fire imagery represents both destruction and success. Jerome's second place medal symbolizes the flaws in the society that judged people based on genetics.

Uploaded by

Felix Le
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Imagery in Gattaca

Evocative natural imagery

Scenes of the natural world outside the Gattaca Institute are bathed in an optimistic gold glow.
These scenes include the first scene set at the Gattaca Institute and the flashback to Vincent's
conception, where a distinct golden filter is used on the camera lens to create this glowing effect.
Recurrent images of lush grass and trees create a sense of warmth and natural harmony. Natural
images also appear in the beach scene where Vincent and Irene fall in love. Throughout the film, this
emphasis on nature juxtaposes the sterile nature of the society and illustrate that true beauty and
perfection is found in the natural world, not in man's manipulation of nature.

Clinical images within the Gattaca Institute

In contrast to the optimistic images of the outside world, the Gattaca interior is clinical and sterile.
The stark white walls and monochrome black suits of the workers reinforce this lack of warmth and
humanity. In this way, images of the interior are indicative of the emotionless nature of the society.
Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on cleanliness, illustrated by the minimalist decorations and
the quote "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." This reflects a society which rejects imperfection and
promotes strict rules and order.

Scientific imagery

Scientific imagery plays a large role in Gattaca. This can be seen explicitly through the numerous
close up on scientific machines, equipment and spaceships. Another key example is the recurrent
image of the double-helix model, representing the shape of DNA. The staircase in Jerome's
apartment is shaped in this way to indicate the emphasis that the society places on genetic
perfection. This staircase is also evident in a number of scenes which are crucial for the plot, for
example, when wheel-chair bound Jerome drags himself up the spiral staircase in an unprecedented
moment of determination and drive.

Costuming

Costuming is used to emphasis social segregation, as it shows the stark contrast between the valids
and invalids. Within the Gattaca Institute, invalids wear monochrome grey jumpsuits, representing
their low standing in society. By contrast, valids wear suits, indicative of their success and elite
status.

Fire imagery

Images of fire are used throughout the film as a symbol of destruction, as fire is a means by which
Vincent burns and conceals traces of his inferior DNA. Fire imagery also plays a vital role in the final
scene. Here, juxtaposition occurs between the fire lifting Vincent's spaceship towards the stars and
the fire which consumes Jerome in the incinerator. Here, fire represents both absolute success and
complete destruction, and strengthens the parallels between the two characters' lives.

Jerome's medal

There are numerous close-ups of Jerome's second place medal, as this illustrates the irony of his
failure. The medal is a strong symbol of the inherent flaws in the society, as "Jerome Morrow was
never meant to be one step down on the podium." As well as this, the medal depicts two male
figures swimming. This echoes the swimming scene where Vincent and Anton compete against each
other, a vital turning point in the film

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