Science 10 Name: _________________________

Date: _________________________

GATTACA - Movie Discussion Questions

Task: Answer the following questions, in full sentences, on a separate sheet of paper. You will be assessed on effort, thoughtfulness, and how well you communicate your answers.

1. The film starts with two quotes that are 180 degrees apart. Here they are:

"Consider God's handiwork; who can straighten what He hath made crooked?" ~ Ecclesiastes 7:13 (The Bible)

"I not only think that we will tamper with Mother Nature, I think Mother wants us to."~ Willard Gaylin (American Psychiatrist)

Explain the significance of these two quotes as they relate to this film.

2. Vincent was a "faith birth". What does this mean and what things does Vincent have to overcome in his life due to this birth?

3. What was different about how Vincent's younger brother came into being? Why is it significant that he was named "Anton" and not Vincent?

4. In the society of the future, people were classified as being "valid" or "invalid". Look up the real definitions of these words in the dictionary and comment on how these words have been applied to members of society. Briefly describe that being born into each category would mean for that individual.

5. Do we have anything that resembles such labeling of people today? Explain.

6. There are a variety of "valids" that were supposedly born superior, yet still have flaws. For each character, explain their shortcomings.

a. Antonb. Irenec. Jeromed. The surviving director

7. What were at least 3 preparations that Vincent had to do each day to pass as Jerome Morrow?

8. When Jerome (Vincent) and Irene go to a concert, what is unusual about the piano player? Do you think he was a "valid" or an "invalid"? Explain your answer.

9. The winding staircase in the house is one piece of symbolism found throughout this film. What do you think it is a simile for?

10. There is another piece of symbolism in the title. Explain it.

11. They refer to people as a "borrowed ladders" in the film. What are they referring to?

12. "It is said that with great power comes great responsibility". Apart from being a good quote from the movie, Spiderman, how does this sentiment apply to our knowledge of genetics and how we use that knowledge?

13. Explain what the following statement means to you: "There is no gene for the human spirit".