Gattaca is a movie in which many common themes are apparent. The themes that will be discussed are Potential, Determination and Perfection. Although many more themes occur in Gattaca, these are the most relevant ones.
Potential comes up a lot during Gattaca because that's what the entire movie is based on. The reason some one would get gene modification in the first place would be to increase there "potential". The doctor even said, "don't you want your son to be able to have the best life possible?". That dialogue is all about potential. Society wouldn't even accept in-valid because they were "incompetent" and "inconsistent". The police didn't even accept Vincent because they could not fathom an In-valid cheating the system let alone becoming the best in his field. Near the end of the movie, however, there are many examples that people do "exceed" there potential. One easily discernable example is the scene where Vincent beat Anton in the swimming competition.
The Eugene Public Library in Eugene, Oregon.
Snow after 8 inches or so fell in Eugene, Oregon.
English: Craft booth at the Saturday Market in Eug...Anton had everything going for him, good genetics, good job, good health, and Vincent had none of these. Yet Vincent was the one who went the farthest and had to save Anton from drowning. The movie, in conclusion, shows you that you can "exceed" your potential.
Determination also plays a huge part in the film because Vincent needs to have determination to over come all the obstacles on his path to a better life. Vincent as a little kid would look up into the night sky and say "I'm gonna make it there some day". He was adamant on the fact that he would prove to everyone he was just as good, or even better, than his genetically superior competitors. Determination is blatantly apparent in the scene where Vincent and Anton have their last swimming match and Vincent keeps...