The 2nd Science Fiction Hall of Fame

Attention all crew members of the
Second Science Fiction Hall of Fame!

A Strange Variety of Film Reviews | The New Flesh: A David Cronenberg Club
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Gattaca (1997) by Andrew Niccol


This was surprisingly such a pleasant re-watch. My initial viewing of Gattaca didn't leave me impressed to say the least, but now, I feel like I just properly absorbed and realised the depth and the work that went into creating this film. It is insane how good the world building is, and how much thought was put into every detail, big and small. These advantages totally cover for the movie's weak points, as this time around, my attention was more so taken by the splendour of Gattaca, and not by how cheesy and corny certain pinpoints are. Not to mention, the philosophical ideas, the symbolisms, the themes, the character arcs, and the overall message are all so fantastic as they contribute to the richness of the film.

However, my biggest problem with Gattaca was and is still apparent. I get that Niccols was pretty excited to share his writings, I mean I just said the world building was great, he did a phenomenal job and has clearly put in the work when it comes to manufacturing Gattaca to its last piece. Still, I don't think the right approach to showcasing his creations is by utterly shoving them into the viewer's face. Every impressive sci-fi element doesn't go unnoticed, specifically because the movie makes sure to brag about it, and deliver it in a most unsubtle and unnatural fashion. With all of that being said, I still wasn't bothered too much, partially because the bragging never reaches an offensive level, and mainly because I really dug the world of Gattaca this time around.

Coherence (2013) by James Ward Byrkit

" Does anybody want any wine? Cheese? Ketamine? "
" The chicken tastes like tuna, it must be because of the comet. "
" We're not splitting up, we're just going in two different groups. "

So yeah, I'm a big fan of the improvised dialogue present in this movie. Not only did it supply us with the lines above, but it also delivered us what is probably the most savage line to be ever stated in any situation or context. I lost it, and I mean literally lost it when he said that.

Some knock the film for supposedly being "messy" due to all of the improvisation, but I think it's definitely more organised and structured than what one might perceive from a single watch. I mean the characters relationships with each other feel very well defined. One can even notice the tension between Beth and Laurie right from the start. Same goes for the relationship between Beth and Mike, and Kevin and Laurie. This is all thanks to the small cast who have such amazing chemistry with each other, to the point where I wouldn't be surprised if they're good friends in real life, that's how natural their bond felt!

The film's editing and camera work are another aspects that are widely considered as negatives, yet I didn't mind them at all. In fact, I thought they complimented the style and air of the ongoings. In such a chaotic and shaky night, the camera appropriately behaves as kind of the 9th friend, who just like the rest, is unable to concentrate and control theirself. Also, since a large portion of the dialogue is improvised, the fact that the cinematography is similarly rebellious is quite fitting.

However, the most appealing aspect to me about the movie is how much fun it has with its concept. It really takes a second watch to fully take in all of the little details that are scattered around right from the beginning until the very end. These elements not only contribute to my enjoyment, but also give a new context to the events of the night.
I'm not saying that the movie is perfect, it's clearly far from that. There are many cheesy and clichéd moments all the way throughout. For God's sake, the characters find a book that conveniently explains the ongoings of the night, is there even a more clichéd cliché than that? Not to mention, the characters are constantly and quickly reaching the right conclusions and deductions about the mysterious mechanics of the conflict. It can get a little annoying that's for sure. But, for every sloppy scene, there's a whole great sequence of tension, such as the one where Hugh and Amir come back from the other house with a box. I still remember how eager, confused, and creeped out I felt during my first viewing of this sequence, especially after they end up discovering what's inside the box. I thought for a second things would turn into You're Next .