GATTACA essay

GATTACA Essay

Gillian Mcafee

period 5

honors Bio

Vincent’s parents first believed that a child conceived in love has a better chance of happiness, but right after Vincent is born with a high probability of several disorders and an expected lifespan of around 30 years, they begin to disagree with their previous claim . Vincent Anton Freeman has always been second best to his brother Anton. He always dreamed of going up in space, but due to his genetics was never allowed. Jerome Eugene Morrow was genetically conceived and has little to no imperfections, but was paralyzed in a car accident.

“Jerome was engineered with everything to get into GATTACA…… Except the desire to do so.” -Vincent. Jerome was depressed and was an alcoholic.  He admitted in toward the end of the film that he jumped in front of the car purposely. Although he was genetically perfect, he was unhappy and felt not good enough even though he was one of the best. Vincent tried and tried to get into to gattaca but due to being unadvanced genetically he was always turned down. Vincents own father did not want him to have his name “Anton” because he was so imperfect.

Vincent read book after book in order to be prepared to get into gattaca and he wasn’t even excepted. Jerome on the other hand just need to take a urine test without a word or interview more. The fact that Jerome was willing to give up his life to another and hide away for so long shows how little ambition he has for anything. All he ever does is sit locked up in his and Vincents houses while he drinks, smokes, and gets everything ready for Vincent at Gattaca. Vincent goes to gattaca pretending to be Jerome, and finally gets to live his dream.

Jerome and Vincent started as unusual friends, but eventually became very close. Jerome opens up to Vincent about his suicide attempt and how he always came in second even though he was so perfect. He is tired of trying and does not want to be a successful worker for Gattaca. Vincent does not care that Jerome is a cripple, alcoholic, or a smoker and Jerome doesn’t judge Vincent for being regularly created.At the end of the film Vincent finally get to go up in space and Jerome is so unhappy that he takes his own life. Vincent is understanding of Jeromes choice, but is sad to see his friend go.

Despite being utter opposites, Jerome and Vincent come together to let Vincent put his ambition and skills to work. Vincent got the chance to be perfect and live a life worthy of living. Jerome's depression got the best of him, but was able to make Vincent's life as good as his could have been. Although Vincent loses his best friend and is discovered as an impostor, he finally proves everyone who doubted wrong.