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Alexander Supertramp
English 10, Blk D
Miss Bell
Aug. 14th, 2081
Determined to Grasp the Stars

Most parents tell their children that they can be anything they want when
they grow up. Not Vincent Freemans. His parents, in the futuristic world of the film
Gattaca, do not encourage their son to dream big for his future because they know
success has not been bred into his genetic code. Despite being set-up for a menial
life by his family and society, young Vincent dares to dream. His dedication to that
dream changes the course of his life, and even when it seems like everything is
going to fall apart, Vincent remains focused. Proving to society that success is not
genetic, Vincent Freeman demonstrates that with belief in oneself and
perseverance, achieving the so-called impossible, is possible.

Both the society that Vincent is born into and his parents believe that he
could never achieve his dream of space travel, but that did not keep Vincent from
believing in himself. Born as a god-child, Vincents genes are not modified by the
societal standard of eugenics. In a society where ones path in life and success are
linked with their DNA, this choice to not alter Vincents genetic make-up is a form of
neglect and abuse. They have gambled with Vincents chance to live a happy life
because of their own want to conceive in a natural way. This means his parents are
essentially setting him up to fail. When it becomes clear that the infant Vincent has
health issues, his parents write-off his chances of having any sort of successful life.

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His fathers disappointment is clear when he denies the baby Vincent the name
originally intended for him of Anton, in honour of his father. The name is instead
saved for his genetically engineered brother. While society continues to limit Vincent
by denying him entry to programs, he looks to his own dreams for support. Vincent
dreams of space travel, studying it with intensity despite discouragement. His
parents, rather than encouraging their childs passion and curiosity want him to face
the cold fact that, the only way youll ever see the inside of a spaceship is if you
are cleaning it. Still, Vincent does not lose hope, instead he continues to compete
with his brother, dreaming of the so-called impossible. Because he doesnt give up,
he is able to beat his brother in a game of chicken. This is the first clear
demonstration to Vincent that dreams can be achieved, and it gives him the selfconfidence to take control of his life. By beating Anton, he now understands that his
life does not have to be limited by his genetics. He sees now what he had hoped for
all along, that he do anything he sets his mind to. This event may be written off by
others as a fluke, but Vincent understands the implications can change his life.
Motivated and determined, Vincent packs up his belongings and sets out toward his
dream of space travel.

Vincents dedication to this dream of space travel allows him to turn his back
on his old life and its dna imposed limitations. Vincent no longer believes that his
genetics can dictate his reality and this feeds his motivation to achieve what all
those around him say he cannot. Leaving home shows his focus, but it is also an
essential first step toward his new life. He can let no attachments hold him back. By
leaving his family, Vincent leaves a chorus of non-believers, and by doing so he can

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allow himself to be guided by his resolve. Without the promise of anything more
than the life he has, Vincent pushes himself physically and mentally to become
better. He trains hard physically, and reads astronomy books voraciously. Working
as a janitor at Gattaca he realizes that he, was never more certain of how far away
I was from my goal than when I was standing right beside it. Even with all his hard
work, Vincent still lives in a society that judges him for his bloodwork. He is so close
to where he wants to be, but without drastic measures, he will not make it any
further than he has. Vincents clear dedication to his dreams shows when he
purchases the identity of Jerome Morrow so that he can get into Gattaca.
Vincent must pay for his new life on a janitors salary and in personal
sacrifices to become Jerome, but his focus doesnt waver . Vincent has to forsake
any hope of a private life in becoming Jerome in order to keep his true identity
secret. This means that romance and personal relationships are no longer a real
possibility for Vincent. If he had any hope of ever seeing his own family again, now
that hope must be abandoned in order to maintain anonymity. This singular focus
to a goal demonstrates the drive of Vincent as he is able to achieve this without the
outside support most people need to keep on track. He is forced to live together
with Jerome in secret and in isolation; society can never know of the hoax the two
are pulling. Vincent must keep up an incredible regimen of exercise, study, personal
grooming, and attending the wheel-chair bound Morrow to even open the door to
Gattaca. He must even endure a painful lengthening surgery and recovery before he
can even try his new identity in public. Vincent has invested all his money, given up
his family, and become involved in criminal activity all for the chance of working at
Gattaca. Even with no guarantee of success, Vincent is unstoppable.

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This unwavering focus is what will save Vincent and his dream as his reality
starts to unravel days before his space mission. Slowly, others have come to know
Vincents secret and together, they are so inspired by his accomplishments that
they do not expose his secret, but instead help him when police are chasing him.
While others realize, they look at you [Vincent], they don't see you anymore,
Vincents cool begins to fade because he fear hes been exposed. Now, Jerome,
Irene, Anton, and Lamar each help Vincent both directly and indirectly. In a final
game of chicken, Vincent beats his brother a second time showing the audience it
was not a fluke. Vincent reveals his secret that hes never, saved anything for the
other side, in all he sets his mind to. He thinks like no other in his society and in
showing this, Irene feels liberated when she learns Vincents truth. Once, she felt
trapped by her own heart problem and its supposed restrictions, now she can see
what shes capable of because Vincent has pushed her to do so and because he
mirrors her own situation. Told by others they cannot be anything more than their
supposed limitations, Irene and Vincent find each other and now offer hope to all
other in-valids like them.
Perseverance and determination are personified in Vincent Freeman. These
traits allow him to achieve his dream of traveling to space despite barriers. In a
world that tried to hold Vincent back and make him see its harsh reality, Vincent
dared to dream beyond his biological limitations. He bravely walked away from his
family and a personal life to become a new man. While living as Jerome Morrow he
faced many obstacles, but still he pushed toward the stars. Even when he was
revealed as a fraud, his determination had won others over to his cause. Vincent
Freeman not only dared to dream, but he had the audacity to go for it, proving that
there is no gene for the human spirit