Niccol's futuristic fable is a gorgeous construct, from its cast on down to the brilliant, clinical nature of the set design that reflects a future in which even a particle of saliva can be one's undoing.
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
This is one of the smartest and most provocative of science fiction films, a thriller with ideas.
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Andrew Niccol wrote and directed this intelligent and suspenseful science-fiction drama featuring strong performances by Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Alan Arkin, and Gore Vidal.
70
Salon
Salon
Implausible in countless ways and wooden for long stretches, Gattaca at least never collapses into a special-effects barrage or erupts in long, choreographed explosions; it sticks carefully to its pristine vision.
67
Entertainment WeeklyTy Burr
Entertainment WeeklyTy Burr
Sets, music, and imagery are rigorously controlled and undeniably stunning, but after a while flaws creep into the plot's double helix.
63
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick Groen
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick Groen
Designer babies rule dystopia in stylish SF thriller filled with recycled plot devices.
60
L.A. WeeklyManohla Dargis
L.A. WeeklyManohla Dargis
Although that's enough plot for two movies, Niccol proceeds to clog up his meticulously mounted story with a murder and a romance (hence Uma Thurman), allowing needless intrigue to distract from his ideas.
60
The New Yorker
The New Yorker
Niccol's work is artful but self-important and thin.
50
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
Clearly, an effort was made to create a serious, thoughtful movie.
30
Chicago ReaderLisa Alspector
Chicago ReaderLisa Alspector
The moody images and Michael Nyman's score aren't enough to salvage this banal 1997 science fiction story.