1984, by George Orwell and Gattaca, by Andrew Niccol

Nineteen Eighty-Four written by George Orwell and Gattaca directed by Andrew Niccol are prophetic social commentaries which explore the broad social wrong of a totalitarian government. Both texts depict a futuristic, dystopian society in which individuality is destroyed in favour of faceless conformity. Niccol and Orwell through the experiences of their protagonists reflect the impact isolation from society has on individuals. The authors of both texts also use their protagonists Winston, who cannot understand the rhetoric of the government party and Vincent, who is trapped, unable to achieve his dreams because of his imperfect genome, to demonstrate individual rebellion against society and explore the significant social injustices of a†¦show more content†¦Orwell and Niccol also display individual rebellion through their protagonists. Both authors use the idea of rebellion to reflect that the social wrong of a totalitarian government creates discontent in individuals. Orwe ll, by foreshadowing Winston’s rebellion against â€Å"The Party† and his eventual demise strongly explores the idea of individual revolt against society. While in a dream Winston hears O’Brien say â€Å"we shall meet in a place where there is no darkness† foreshadowing Winston’s capture and torture in the â€Å"Ministry of Love†, where ironically the lights are never turned off. Through his ironic foreshadowing Orwell alludes to the reader that in an unjust totalitarian state â€Å"there is no darkness† and everything is surveyed, making individual rebellion impossible. In contrast to the impossible nature of rebellion presented by Orwell, Niccol shows that even in an oppressive dictatorial society individual rebellion is possible. Viewers are shown a montage of flashbacks revealing his protagonist’s early life, where it is established through the gates of a school being closed on him that he will be â€Å"locked out† o f society due to his â€Å"faith birth†. Niccol then cuts to a scene showing Vincent having achieved his dream of working in the space station as a â€Å"celestial navigator†. The use of flashback montages is one way in which Niccol suggests to the viewer that even in the social wrong of an oppressive state, individualShow MoreRelated1984 And Gattaca1074 Words   |  5 PagesFilm director Andrew Niccol’s science fiction thriller Gattaca and author George Orwell’s politically scientific book 1984 employ a variety of textual techniques to explore the themes of control and freedom. The context of a dystopia is used in both texts to portray how dogma’s within society’s constrict the freedom of individuals. Niccol discusses the consequences of the pursuit for perfection in the â€Å"genetically perfect† society of Gattaca. Similarly, Orwell analyses the subordination exhibitedRead MoreSimilarities Between 1984 And Gattaca976 Words   |  4 PagesIn the dystopian worlds created by the film director Andrew Niccol and renowned author George Orwell, notions of control and freedom are explored. Both worlds contain an overarching power that governs the rest of the population and restricts freedom of individuals, these powers also aid in the progression of technology, which further act to control individuals. The characterisations of the protagonists of each text portray the lack of freedom from the perspective of those that are affected. BothRead MoreGattaca and 1984 Insight968 Words   |  4 PagesStephanie Sadaka Mr. Sisti April 26th, 2010 ENG 4U1 Literary Insight Paper After reading the novel 1984 and watching the movie Gattaca, I was able to perceive many concepts and similarities and differences between both pieces of art. Gattaca, directed by Andrew Niccol, shows a story of a society where life is controlled by genetics, rather than education or experiences. Based on your DNA, society determines where you belong, and your future. This allows no room for people to gain experiences