Gattaca Film Techniques

Question 1

What is the overall setting of the film dominated by?

Answer 1

People and symbolic locations, with only 10 locations used throughout

Question 2

What are all the locations in Gattaca depicted as?

Answer 2

Bare, functional spaces with smooth polished floors, an overall atmosphere of minimalism and modernism

Question 3

What does Niccol depict the society as based on?

Answer 3

The principles of perfection

Question 4

What is the circular staircase in Eugene’s apartment an important symbol of?

Answer 4

The double helix which is the DNA pattern, linking to the key theme of genetics

Question 5

What does the visually cold lighting palette of the film reflect?

Answer 5

The sterile environment and all humanity being squeezed out of society

Question 6

What are the scenes bathed in golden light?

Answer 6

Vincent’s ambition of going into space being revealed and Vincent and Irene’s intimacy

Question 7

What does the close-up opening scene depict?

Answer 7

Falling hairs and skin which depicts the importance of body parts in a world dedicated to genetic perfection

Question 8

What do extreme close-ups focus on?

Answer 8

Fingernails, skin, urine, blood and cleaning of DNA particles

Question 9

What does the close-up shots of only a few certain individuals demonstrate?

Answer 9

There are only a few people in society who are shown to be individuals

Question 10

What does the vertical angle shot of Vincent looking down on Jerome demonstrate?

Answer 10

It makes Jerome appear small and lonely and instils empathy within the audience

Question 11

What film technique does Niccol use to demonstrate how much the society relies on technology to function?

Answer 11

Constant background noises of machines beeping and announcements ringing out