Gattaca

written by Andrew M. Niccol

UCLA Production Design Class Project (2025)

Time: 2100s

Place: Giza, Egypt

Genre: Sci-fi, Dystopian, Drama

Synopsis

Vincent has always fantasized about traveling into outer space, but is grounded by his status as a genetically inferior "in-valid." He decides to fight his fate by purchasing the genes of Jerome Morrow,

a laboratory-engineered "valid." He assumes Jerome's DNA identity and joins the Gattaca space program, where he falls in love with Irene. An investigation into the death of a Gattaca officer complicates Vincent's plans.

Abstraction

In Gattaca, my visual style is deeply influenced by significant architects and design philosophies,

merging futuristic innovation with a sense of human warmth. Gattaca embodies dreams and love that transcend genetic limitations. Drawing from styles such as Metabolism, Retro-futurism, and modernism,

I seek to emphasize the characters and their environment. By integrating human elements within a futuristic setting of an alternate universe 100 years into the future, Gattaca offers a world that feels both aspirational and realistic, highlighting the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Characters

Vincent Freeman

Born as an "in-valid" with inferior genetics, he dreams of becoming an astronaut and assumes Jerome's identity. Through determination and hard work, he overcomes his limitations.

Jerome Eugene Morrow

A genetically superior former swimmer whose career was cut short by an accident, leaving him paralyzed. He lends his identity to Vincent while struggling with his own failures.

Irene Cassini

A genetically "valid" employee at Gattaca Aerospace Corporation, she excels in her work but harbors insecurities about her own genetic imperfections.

Detective Hugo

Vincent's biological brother. A diligent investigator assigned to solve a murder case at Gattaca. He follows leads methodically but remains unaware of the deeper identity deception.

Director Joseph

A strict enforcer of Gattaca’s genetic policies and the true murderer in the case. He carefully hides his crime to maintain his authority and the illusion of a perfect system.

Giza, Egypt