Ambition in Gattaca

Gattaca is a 1997 Science – Fiction film directed by Andrew Niccol. The film revolves around a world created by eugenics. Most people are scientifically designed to succeed. But, the main character of the film, Vincent, is normal. He was not created by eugenics, and therefore has multiple things wrong with him such as his heart condition which is meant to kill him in his 30s. His younger brother, Anton, is scientifically perfect and looks superior to Vincent in every setting. The director of the film uses multiple symbols to show the struggles Vincent had to endure to succeed. One of these important symbols is a swimming competition between him and Anton. From a young age, they both compete with each-other by swimming out in a rough beach and seeing how far they can go before one gives up. Anton always wins, and Vincent never expects to beat him because of his heart condition. Every time the director shows a scene where they are swimming, it is a metaphor/symbol for Vincent’s life, because he is constantly being compared to someone stronger than him. One day, Vincent beats Anton which he has never done before. He has to save Anton from drowning too. The director also incorporates ambition here and shows while Anton is genetically superior, he does not have the same soul or drive that Vincent does. Vincent’s difference made him stronger in the swim, and due to swimming’s real meaning – it made him stronger throughout life.