GATTACA Essay

In GATTACA Jerome shows Vincent a second place medal he received as a kid. He exclaims to Vincent that “Jerome Morrow was never meant to be one step down on the podium”. Jerome Morrow was told to be genetically perfect with the heart of an ox while Vincent was not as perfect. Vincent was born with a chance of heart disease and a life span of only 30 years. The relevance of this quote is that if Jerome was expected to be perfect but failed to do so, how would Vincent succeed  where Jerome failed?

Throughout the film there are recurring symbols. Glass and water are two examples of recurring symbols or obstacles that Vincent face. For instance the recurred many times throughout the film. Vincent would have to go up against his brother to see who could swim the furthest. Eventually Vincent beats his genetically better brother and changes his view on obstacles in life. Another image the occurred during the film was glass. For example, while Vincent was a janitor at GATTACA he washed windows around the building hoping to eventually work behind them.  In the end Vincent's dream comes true and he gets a job in the building.

In GATTACA Jerome and Vincent form a relationship as the story goes on. When Vincent first meets Jerome he only plans on using him for his body and genetics, but eventually start to bond. Jerome would give Vincent all the necessities he needs to work at GATTACA and in return Vincent would help move Jerome around and help him and his crippled body. In ecological terms this could be an example of the bonding of cells because each cell bonds with another with an necessity it needs.