Gattaca

Roffa Mon Amour + Wereldmuseum present Gattaca

About the collaboration 

When the artist Antonin Mongin first suggested we screen Gattaca (1997) by Andrew Niccol at Wereldmuseum we couldn’t help but wonder: What do an exhibition about hair and sci-fi film have in common? All our genetic information lies in our hair and this is relevant in the world of Gattaca, where DNA profiling is the holy grail and one single hair can determine humans’ social position.

About the film

In Gattaca natural-born humans serve as subordinate laborers for the genetically exquisite engineered citizens who came to life with DNA perfection engineering. Vincent (Ethan Hawke) was born the natural way and now has low life expectations. Registered as an ‘Invalid’ he has no chance to fulfill his big ambitions. Not willing to give up his dreams, he starts an illegal identity swap with Jerom (Jude Law), who has perfect DNA but is in a wheelchair and unable to perform how he’s supposed to. They have to be very careful because even a single eyelash can betray their fraud in the sterile offices of Gattaca, and Irene (Uma Thurman) senses something is going on…

With today’s online ratings, TikTok algorithms, and Google reviews, how far away are we from Gattaca? Andrew Niccol’s thought experiment was ahead of its time when it comes to human manufacturing. Filmed in style at an architectural gem and performed by an excellent cast, this sci-fi film will be relevant forever.

Andrew Niccol (who also wrote the screenplay for The Truman Show) debut film left a mark in science fiction cinema. Underrated at its release, it’s since garnered a cult following.