Gattaca is a dystopian film directed by Andrew Niccol. It is set in the 'not-too-distant future' where discrimination is based on your genetic makeup and has become the defining factor of your societal class. Symbolism was constantly used throughout the film by Niccol to convey the main idea of genoism, the discrimination based solely on one's genes. Through bars, DNA, and glass symbols, the main character Vincent is shown to be oppressed and excluded due to his ‘invalid’ genes. Dialogue and camera work were also used in order to deepen the audience’s understanding of the genetic discrimination in the film and to comment on the dangers of genetic engineering.

Genetic discrimination, through prejudiced stereotypes based on an individual’s DNA, is depicted by Niccol as misguided, unjust and dividing within a society. Your genes become your destiny. The genoist society in Gattaca rejects the desires and dreams of invalids like Vincent. Niccol uses the recurring symbol of bars to show how Vincent was excluded from society for being an invalid. An invalid is someone who does not have genetically engineered genes and is therefore considered to be of a lower class …show more content…
In order to succeed or rise in this society, you required genetically enhanced DNA that your parents could gift you with through an in-vitro birth. Although genetic engineering is not necessarily a bad thing as it can be used to cure and avoid deadly, inheritable diseases, where do you draw the line? Genetic engineering can be damaging to society as when the line is crossed from health to enhancement, societal views can be affected and discrimination like genoism can come as a result. This leads to harmful effects on both those that are invalid as they are constantly oppressed and discriminated against as well as those that are valid due to the immense pressures that are placed upon them by