Bio Gattaca Suarez

NAME: ____________________________________ Date: __________________ SUAREZ

G A T T A C A“THERE IS NO GENE FOR THE HUMAN SPIRIT”. The movie GATTACA consists of two types of individuals, invalids and valids (also known as degenerates). Invalids are born in-utero, and have no genetic engineering. Valids are born in-vitro, and are genetically engineered to have the best possible genes between their parents.

1.What are some qualities that invalids might have, which are virtually absent in valids?

2.What aspects made Vincent’s birth scene slightly depressing, rather than a typical happy moment? What emotions were you feeling?

3.Vincent says at one point, that he belonged to a new social class where discrimination no longer depends on the color of your skin, or socioeconomic background, but now they had discrimination down to a science. What was meant by this?

4.In the future suggested by GATTACA, whether or not you got a certain job depended on your DNA sequence. Though this was illegal, what were some ways that potential employees might obtain a sample of your DNA to determine if you were a job candidate?

5.What were some assumptions about invalids? Do you think these assumptions hold any truth? Can you think of any examples from the movie that support your opinion?

6.Vincent met with a “DNA Broker”, who helped him to use Jerome Morrow’s DNA to take on Jerome’s identity after the accident. What pressed Vincent to do this?

7.Describe the process by which Vincent became Jerome:

8.How was Vincent treated differently after he became Jerome Morrow?

9.What procedures did Vincent need to go through in order to prevent his own DNA from being discovered?

10.Jerome Morrow’s character had “perfect” DNA, but the movie does not portray him to be perfect. What do you think the message might be?

11.The science fiction future depicted in GATTACA suggests that invalids would eventually be weeded out, making a new breed of artificially selected humans. What are the pros and cons of this (list at least 2 of each).

12 . Did the doctor at Gattaca know all along that Jerome wasn't who he was? What gave him away at the end?

13. If you had the opportunity to produce a “valid” child using the technology seen in GATTACA, would you? Name at least 2-3reasons that would lead you to your decision.