Classics: A Review of Batman Returns By Lauren Ennis

 Rampant crime, political corruption, corporate greed, and an alienated public; welcome to Gotham City. Following the success of their collaboration in 1989's Batman the dynamic duo of Tim Burton and Michael Keaton reunited for 1992's Batman Returns. Rather than acting as a mere return to form, the film ventured even further into the shadows that haunt Gotham's streets than its predecessor, and is all the better for it. Despite courting controversy amongst audiences and earning the ire of critics, the film has gone on to become a cult classic and set the standard for modern superhero movies along the way. Return to the gritty streets of Gotham City in all of their macabre wonder with Batman Returns.

The story picks up where 1989's Batman ended. In the wake of his break-up with love interest Vickie Vale, Bruce Wayne has fully immersed himself in his alter ego, living for the moment when the bat signal appears in the sky. At the film's start Gotham remains in the grips of a crime wave while its residents are on the lookout for the mysterious penguin-man rumored to be lurking in the city's sewers. Even as Batman attempts to reclaim Gotham's streets, Bruce is left to face its even more sinister threat in form of corrupt tycoon Max Schreck. Schreck has devised a plan to use a power plant to drain the city of its power and then resell it to residents at a higher price. After his plot is accidentally discovered by his secretary, Selina Kyle, he throws her from a window in an effort to ensure his secret remains safe. In a twist of fate his efforts lead to the creation of his own worst nightmare when Selina is resurrected as revenge bent vigilante Catwoman. When Schreck schemes to buy a place in city hall by launching the Penguin as a political candidate, Batman finds himself crossing paths with the Penguin and Catwoman just in time for some holiday hijinks.

At the time of its release Batman Returns was derided as 'a Tim Burton movie that Batman just happens to be in'. In some ways this assertion is true, and its this very fact that sets Batman Returns apart from the rest of the Batman franchise in all of the best ways. Burton uses his trademark visual style to bring Gotham to vibrant and visceral life with an atmosphere and scope that no other Batman film has. As a result, the film makes viewers feel as though they have been transported to the world of the comic books. Similarly, his use of German Expressionism in his lighting and sets perfectly sets the tone for the bleak world which the characters inhabit.

Perhaps what makes this film stand out the most is its focus upon its characters. While most superhero films are dedicated to action packed plots, Batman Returns acts as a character study of both its hero and its villains. The film follows Bruce as he struggles to come to terms with his double life and highlights the ways in which Batman threatens to fully consume him. Even as it portrays him at his most brooding, the film offers insight into the Bruce that might have been by showing him engage in moments of humor, charm, and vulnerability over the course of his relationship with Selina. Similarly, the film manages to offer up not one but two morally complex villains in the form of the Penguin and Catwoman. While the Penguin engages in truly reprehensible behavior, his tragic backstory of physical deformity, abandonment, and isolation make him both fascinating and sympathetic. As a result, viewers can easily understand his efforts to return to the city and his desire for vengeance on a society that rejected him. The film's depiction of Selina's story is nothing short of a revelation as it takes viewers on a journey that will have them hard pressed not to route for its anti-heroine. The film's depiction of her unfulfilled life that is marked by broken relationships, domineering relatives, and a toxic job is both heartbreaking and relatable. This glimpse into the person she begins as makes her near death at the hands of her abusive boss and subsequent psychotic break all the more devastating. Additionally, her justifiable need for revenge and morally murky actions make her an engaging anti-heroine who will test viewers' own moral gauges. The film even offers a twist in arguably its most straight forward villain, Max, by reminding viewers that all too often the most dangerous villains are not those who reside on society's margins but instead those who hold its levers of power. The film also doubles as an alternative take on the Christmas movie genre by exploring its tale of alienation and moral ambiguity against the backdrop of the holiday season. In this way, the film explores the sense of regret and inadequacy that many feel at the approach of a new year as its characters each struggle with the broken hopes of their pasts and their failed attempts to find their place in the present. Additionally, each of the characters is forced to confront their lost innocence and shattered illusions in the midst of what should be the most innocent and magical time of the year. This Christmas take a walk on the naughty list with Catwoman and Penguin in Batman Returns.

The film transports viewers to the gritty streets of Gotham City thanks to the mesmerizing work of its cast. Michael Gough reprises his role as Alfred and continues to serve as the franchise's conscience in his endearing turn. Christopher Walken is chilling in his performance as the equal parts magnetic and malicious tycoon Max Schreck. Danny Devito is electrifying in his larger than life portrayal of the Penguin and manages to infuse the grotesque villain with wounded humanity. Michelle Pfeiffer defines the role of Catwoman as she slinks through her scenes with an alluring mix of sensuality, steely resolve, and razor sharp wit. Simultaneously, she brilliantly portrays Selina's transformation from insecure, meek, and repressed good girl to assertive, seductive, but hardened woman with nuance and believability. Michael Keaton reminds us all why he was the face of Batman for a generation of moviegoers. In this outing he remains an imposing caped crusader, but lends a refreshing combination of humor, charm, and vulnerability to his depiction of Bruce Wayne. Together, Keaton and Pfeiffer exhibit a chemistry that is nothing short of smoldering.

In his second visit to Gotham City Tim Burton puts the 'dark' in the dark knight. Through his signature wicked sense of whimsy Burton offers up one of the most iconic entries in the entire Batman franchise. The script's blend of emotionally rich characters, moral conflict, and high flying action helped set the standard for adult super hero movies over twenty years before Christopher Nolan's infamously brooding Batman films. The film's star studded cast breathes fresh life into Gotham's infamous rogues' gallery and lends its hero a beating heart. This Christmas steal a kiss under the mistletoe with the caped crusader in Batman Returns. 

Be sure to check out my full length drama published with Off the Wall Plays https://offthewallplays.com/product/peoples-war-drama-about-the-start-of-covid-19-in-wuhan/

An Announcement

 Dear readers, thank you all for your continued support! I'm excited to share my latest project with all of you, my full length stage drama People's War which was just published with Off the Wall Plays. With the Zero Covid policy inspiring protests across China this play is more timely than ever. Happy holidays to all of you! I look forward to continuing to share in the love of storytelling with you all.

Miss E.

https://offthewallplays.com/product/peoples-war-drama-about-the-start-of-covid-19-in-wuhan/

Classics: A Review of Planet of the Apes By Lauren Ennis

Imagine if you will a world in which humanity answers to an animal master...that's just what Rod Serling did when he adapted Pierre Boulle's 1963 novel Planet of the Apes into a screenplay. While Serling's original draft was later reworked by screenwriter Michael Wilson the film maintains the eerie prescience that distinguished the most memorable episodes of Serling's iconic Twilight Zone. Much like its small screen predecessor the film uses the tropes of science fiction to explore difficult questions surrounding technology, religion, war, and human nature itself that continue to resonate today. Enter the the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition...an area which we call The Planet of the Apes.

The story begins when American astronaut George Taylor and his three colleagues land on an alien planet in the year 3978. Upon landing the crew learn that one of their colleagues died during the trip, leaving the remaining three to navigate their new home. Soon after landing, they encounter other humans who are primitive and mute. Worse yet, they are stunned to learn that the humans are hunted and enslaved by an advanced civilization of talking apes. The astronauts are then separated when they are captured by the apes who mistake them for their primitive counterparts. In the ensuing struggle Taylor is shot in his neck, leaving him unable to speak. He is then placed in captivity and studied by chimpanzee scientists Zira and Cornelius, who are attempting to prove their theory that apes evolved from humans. Impressed by Taylor's intelligence, the pair soon become his advocates, but encounter resistance in the form of their superior, authoritarian orangutan Dr. Zaius. When Zira and Cornelius' studies on Taylor call the science and religion that the apes' society is founded upon into question all three are placed into direct conflict with the state and in imminent danger.

With its lurid title and outlandish premise, casual viewers could easily mistake Planet of the Apes for a sci-fi B movie; but what a mistake that would be. The film takes viewers on a dark journey not through the jungles of an alien planet but instead into the darkest depths of human nature. Through its exploration of Taylor's interactions with the apes' society the film casts such pillars of human society as class structure, religion, and politics under unflinching scrutiny. In this way, the film uses the world of the apes to hold up a dark mirror to our own culture, exposing how irrational, tribal, and self-destructive our 'advanced' civilization actually is. The film's depiction of Dr. Zaius' single minded pursuit of accepted science particularly resonates after nearly three years of the populace being subjected to the mantra 'follow the science'. Similarly, his ruthless efforts to stop Zira and Cornelius' research eerily mirrors the ways in which media and governmental agencies colluded to destroy the work and careers of dissenting physicians and scientists. The film's devastating final reveal also proves nothing short of visceral as the threat of nuclear war dominates the headlines. For a sci-fi adventure that will get your pulse racing and your mind reeling book a ticket to the Planet of the Apes.

The film takes viewers on a journey that is out of this world thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Linda Harrison completes the herculean task of conveying innocence, vulnerability, longing, and warmth without uttering a single line of dialogue as Taylor's fellow captive turned love interest, Nova. The actors portraying the apes turn in equally astounding performances, particularly given the demands of their prosthetics and makeup heavy costumes. Roddy McDowell tempers Cornelius' dedication, intelligence, and skepticism with his desire to be accepted within the apes' society. Kim Hunter portrays Zira's determination, idealism, and free spirit with aplomb. Together, the two showcase a chemistry that is nothing short of adorable. Maurice Evans makes for a compelling villain as the ruthless Dr. Zaius, who will stop at nothing in order to protect his society from the threat of mankind. Charlton Heston turns in one of the most iconic performances in his extensive career in his portrayal of the ultimate stranger in a strange land, Taylor.

At once a rousing futuristic adventure and a dire warning for the present, Planet of the Apes makes for viewing that is truly out of this world. Through its at once thrilling and thought provoking script the film spurs the imagination while raising vital questions that continue to resonate today. The uniformly superb performances brilliantly bring the diverse array of characters and the societies in which they live to vibrant life. Go ape with Nova and Taylor in Planet of the Apes.

Be sure to check out my full length drama published with Off the Wall Plays https://offthewallplays.com/product/peoples-war-drama-about-the-start-of-covid-19-in-wuhan/

Classics: A Review of The Outfit By Lauren Ennis

 "You cannot make something good until you understand who you're making it for", insists Savile Row trained cutter Leonard Burling. Within the first few minutes of 2022's The Outfit it's obvious that the film's makers knew exactly who they were making it for. Perfectly capturing the mix of grit and glamour that dominated the streets of 1950's Chicago the film relates a mystery that is every bit as intricate as a well made suit. For a classic crime drama that contemporary cinephiles will love schedule your appointment with The Outfit.

The story begins in 1956 with mild mannered English cutter Leonard Burling running a tailor shop in Chicago with his secretary, Mabel. The pair form a familial bond with Leonard acting as the stable father that Mabel never had and Mabel filling the void left in the wake of his daughter's death. Unfortunately for the duo, the shop is located in a neighborhood controlled by mob boss Roy Boyle. As a result, the pair are forced to work under the constant threat of violence and extortion. In an effort to ensure his and Mabel's safety and the shop's security Leonard allows Boyle's men to use the shop as a stash house to store their ill gotten gains. When Boyle's son, Richie, arrives at the shop after being shot by a rival gang the stage is set for a battle of wills that will determine the fate of Leonard, Mabel, their shop, and the ultimately the neighborhood.

At one point in the film Leonard acknowledges the impossibility of perfection, but maintains that "If you don't aim for perfection you cannot make anything great", and The Outfit does just that. The film deftly blends beloved elements of the gangster genre to relate a tale of family, rivalry, and betrayal that any wise guy would appreciate. The film's attention to historical detail is nothing short of mesmerizing as its use of period costumes, sets, and dialogue transports viewers into the heart of 1950's Chicago. Rather than resigning itself to acting as an homage to past works, however, the film offers something unexpected. By telling its story from Leonard's perspective the film highlights the plight of everyday people forced to live in the crosshairs of organized crime. As a result, the drama lies not in the neighborhood gun fights, but within ordinary citizens' ability to maneuver the bullet riddled streets unscathed. Through this approach the film sheds vital light upon the toll of crime upon individuals and entire cities alike, while inviting viewers to contemplate how they would fare in Leonard and Mabel's positions. In this way the film offers a story that is at once invitingly familiar and exhilaratingly unknown. The film also succeeds in its efforts to combine gangland drama with mystery as it manages to weave an intricate maze of plot twists into the mob action without sacrificing the impact of either.  While the film might not be perfect, it certainly aims for perfection and in doing so achieves something truly great. For a a night to remember try The Outfit on for size.

The film transports viewers to the gritty streets of 1950's Chicago thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Dylan O'Brien infuses Richie with roguish charm, recklessness, and menace. Johnny Flynn recalls such mob movie greats as James Cagney and Edward G Robinson as the calculating Francis. Simon Russell Beale expertly blends gentlemanly charisma, paternal concern, and visceral brutality as Roy Boyle. Nikki Amuka-Bird is an alluring mix of sultry and sinister as rival mob boss Violet La Fontaine. Zoey Deutch expertly blends girl next door charm and street smarts in her winning turn as Mabel. Even in the midst of outstanding supporting performances the film belongs to Mark Rylance in his magnetic turn as the enigmatic Leonard. 

At once deceptively simple and unexpectedly intricate The Outfit is a film that offers more with every viewing. Through its razor sharp writing the script transports today's viewers to the mean streets of 50's Chicago. The uniformly excellent performances treat viewers to an intimate look at a fascinating array of characters.   For a crime drama that is a cut above, join Leonard and Mabel in The Outfit.

Be sure to check out my full length drama People's War published with Off the Wall Plays https://offthewallplays.com/product/peoples-war-drama-about-the-start-of-covid-19-in-wuhan/

Classics: A Review of Cobra Kai Season Five By Lauren Ennis

 "Just when you think things are going good everything falls apart" Johnny Lawrence warned his students in the first season of Cobra Kai.  Four seasons later Johnny, Daniel, and their students will learn just how valid this lesson was as the series enters its darkest chapter yet. In the wake of the shocking season four finale Daniel, Johnny, and company struggle to move forward even as the machinations of Terry Silver conjure the demons of the past. Even as it offers the highest stakes yet the season continues to offer the knockout combination of humor, nostalgia, emotion, and action that has made the series a hit. Join Johnny and Daniel for their most badass adventure yet in season five of Cobra Kai.

The dream team

The story picks up where season four left off with each of the characters reeling in the wake of the devastating finale. Johnny and Robby attempt to rebuild their relationship while pursuing Miguel after he fled to Mexico in search of his father. Meanwhile, Daniel, Sam, and the students of Miyagi-Do come to terms with their loss at the All Valley Karate Tournament. Even as our heroes face their own struggles, however, a larger threat looms in the form of Terry Silver who has expanded Cobra Kai across the valley after successfully framing John Kreese for attempted murder. With familiar foes, unlikely alliances, and twists that are sure to keep you on your toes, season five kicks Cobra Kai into its highest gear yet.

In its fifth outing Cobra Kai delivers an absolute knock out. The story takes our heroes on their darkest adventure yet as each of them are forced to face adversaries within and without. Golden boy Daniel and his teen queen daughter, Sam, embark upon particularly fascinating journeys. While Daniel has always been the show's voice of reason, he finds himself entering a downward spiral when confronted with the manipulations of his old nemesis, Terry Silver. Similarly, confident Sam is overcome with indecision and uncertainty when she is faced with her deteriorating relationship with Miguel and the closure of Miyagi-Do. Villain John Kreese encounters a similar experience as he is forced to finally confront the demons of his past while in prison. Even as it takes several characters into decidedly gritty territory, this season also sees Johnny and Robby undergo transformations for the better as they use their past mistakes and traumas as motivation to meet new challenges. With the rise of Terry Silver and his new partner in crime, sensei Kim, the series ups its ante once again delivering some of the most high kicking drama and action to ever grace the small screen. For viewing that always packs a punch enter the dojo with Cobra Kai.

The series continues its winning streak thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Mary Mouse showcases a darker side of Sam as she struggles to find balance after her loss to Tory. Tanner Buchanan infuses Robby with maturity along with his signature charisma in his portrayal of Robby's efforts to come to terms with his past. Xolo Mariduena expertly blends boyish charm, earnestness, and vulnerability in his depiction of Miguel's journey of self discovery. Peyton List proves to be this season's MVP amongst its younger cast members as she ventures beyond Tory's gruff exterior and explores her traumatic past and morally conflicted present. Martin Kove continues to prove why Johnn Kreese is Cobra Kai in his magnetic turn as the merciless sensei. Yuji Okumoto steals each scene in which he appears as Daniel's rival turned ally, Chozen. Sean Kanan offers a nuanced performance as the bad boy who made good Mike Barnes. Thomas Ian Griffith earns his place as the series' most formidable foe yet in a truly chilling turn as the sadistic Terry Silver. Even in the midst of an exemplary supporting cast the series belongs to Ralph Macchio and William Zabka as bitter rivals turned reluctant allies Daniel Larusso and Johnny Lawrence. The duo are at their most mesmerizing yet as Macchio offers a darker, edgier, take on Daniel as he struggles with Silver's manipulations, while Zabka treats viewers to a wiser, more mature, and ultimately heroic Johnny.

After five seasons Cobra Kai continues to kick the competition. Through a script that pays loving homage to The Karate Kid franchise while offering fresh and innovative entertainment the series continues to be a champ amongst long time fans and new viewers alike. The returning cast continue to expand upon their characters while this season's newcomers pack punches of their own. With its signature blend of thrilling action, uproarious comedy, heartfelt emotion, and original storytelling Cobra Kai shows that it still has plenty of bite. For the best viewing around hit the mat with Cobra Kai.

Yes, sensei!

Classics: A Review of The Craft By Lauren Ennis

"Relax, its just magic", so goes the tagline of the 1996 cult (or is that occult?) classic The Craft. The film's four lead witches quickly learn, however, just how dark and less than relaxing magic can be. At once a classic warning to be careful what you wish for and a tale of modern girl power the film offers all of the requisite Halloween thrills and chills with a side of 90's nostalgia. This Halloween, curl up with some of that old black magic courtesy of The Craft.

The story begins with Sarah and her widowed father moving to Los Angeles. Her awkward adjustment at her new school is made all the more difficult after the class heartthrob spreads rumors about her when she rejects his sexual advances. Even though the rumors leave her ostracized, she soon draws the attention of class misfits and would be witches Nancy, Rochelle, and Bonnie. When Bonnie witnesses Sarah using telekinesis to balance a pencil the girls welcome Sarah as the fourth member of their witches' coven. What Sarah assumes is harmless fun quickly reveals itself to be something more when the curses that the girls' cast begin coming true. As the girls' magic strengthens, so too does their desire for vengeance and power. Before you can say abrakadabra the coven find themselves in a downward spiral into the depths of dark magic, and its up to Sarah to pull them all out before its too late.

The film aptly blends adolescent drama with supernatural thrills for a Halloween treat that satisfies throughout the year. The film avoids resorting to such clichés as black cats, old crones, and cauldrons and instead offers viewers a foursome that is equal parts formidable and relateable. Rochelle's battles with racist bullies and Bonnie's insecurity and trauma following a disfiguring car accident prove believable and heartfelt. Similarly, Sarah's efforts to overcome survivor's remorse and depression in the wake of her mother's death are nothing short of haunting. Perhaps most devastating is Nancy's hellish home life in which the film implies she suffers emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The girls' efforts to use their powers to improve their lives speaks to the desire for something better in us all. Even their attempts to use magic to exact revenge on those who have wronged them appeals to our sense of schadenfreude. As the story continue, however, they find that they aren't satisfied with their powers and begin seeking revenge beyond merely righting the wrongs that were exacted on them. In this way the film provides a spooky twist on a classic tale of the corrupting influence of power. This element of the film is particularly resonant in the midst of today's social justice movement in which marginalized groups claim to be seeking justice even as they actively crusade for revenge. Much like the film's witches these 'social justice warriors' cling to their perceived victim status rather than working to improve their lot in life and use this status to wield influence over others. As a result, The Craft is in some ways even more relevant now than it was upon its release nearly thirty years ago. For a devilishly good time join the coven with The Craft.

The film casts a spell thanks to the work of its cast. Christine Taylor is a villain that viewers will love to hate as Rochelle's racist bully, Laura. Skeet Ulrich aptly maneuvers between goofy charm and sinister chauvinism as school heartthrob Chris. Rachel True conveys intelligence and resilience as Rochelle. Neve Campbell perfectly captures Bonnie's vulnerability and yearning to belong. Robin Tunney infuses Sarah with a strength, wisdom, and compassion that will have viewers rooting for her until the film's final twist. Even in the midst of a bewitching ensemble cast Faizura Balk dominates the film as victim turned villain Nancy. In Balk's hands Nancy is more than just another wicked witch and instead is a charismatic, relatable, and complex character certain to tempt viewers to the dark side.

At once an otherworldly cautionary tale and an apt portrait of modern adolescence The Craft makes for wickedly enjoyable viewing. Through its mix of supernatural thrills and teen angst the film relates a spooky tale that will cast a spell throughout the year. The film's performances remain bewitching nearly thirty years after its release. This Halloween, break out your broomstick and take to the skies with Sarah, Nancy, Rochelle, and Bonnie in The Craft.

Relax, it's only magic

Classics: A Review of Gattaca By Lauren Ennis

Is our fate predetermined? If so, is there any way to escape it? These are the questions that lie at the heart of 1997's futuristic dystopia Gattaca. Released on the cusp of the new millennium, the film offered an unnerving look into a future that now seems frighteningly near. At once a warning against the dangers of state control and eugenics and a tribute to the human spirit Gattaca is a drama that is truly out of this world. 

The story begins in the 'not too distant future' in which society is divided between genetically engineered designer babies known as 'valids' and naturally conceived 'invalids'. The valids make up society's elites and rule over the invalids, who are restricted to menial jobs with no hope for self-improvement. The film opens with valid astronaut Jerome preparing for his upcoming mission to space. The story then flashes back to reveal that the astronaut is actually an invalid named Vincent who is posing as Jerome in order to fulfill his life long dream of traveling to space. Vincent's parents chose to conceive him naturally, but soon regretted their decision after he was born with a heart defect and other mental and physical deficiencies. After years of living in the shadow of his younger, valid, brother he becomes determined to take his fate into his own hands. He then concocts a scheme in which he trades identities with valid Jerome, an Olympic swimmer who was recently paralyzed during a failed suicide attempt. After undergoing a grueling transformation, Vincent embarks upon a career at the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation under Jerome's name and is chosen to be part of the crew on an upcoming flight to Saturn. One week before the flight a murder occurs at Gattaca. Over the course of the ensuing investigation Vincent is forced into a race against time as he finds his identity, his career, and freedom under threat.

Blending intimate character study and political drama against a futuristic backdrop, Gattaca stands out from the spaceship and alien stereotypes that dominate modern science fiction. Rather than presenting viewers with a fantastic otherworldly experience the film instead offers a visceral glimpse into what might be a future that is nearer than we think. By presenting viewers with a dystopia that is so strikingly similar to our own world the film forces us to confront the same fundamental questions that its characters are faced with. The ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering particularly resonate given the advent of 'designer babies', the rise of artificial intelligence, and the ascendance of neuro-technology. Even during the era of the film's release, however, its exploration of the lure of eugenics offered a vital warning for the future should we fail to learn from the darkest chapters of our past. The film cleverly uses its eugenics based society to raise questions about meritocracy, self-determination, and the nature of freedom. Through its depiction of Vincent's unlikely rise and Jerome's devastating fall from grace the film acknowledges the ways in which our beginnings shape who we are, while reminding us that only we can ultimately determine who we become. In this way, the film defies the victim mindset that dominates current Western culture and offers an antidote to modern nihilistic malaise. The film's portrayal of a society that is blatantly under state control but too bitterly divided to realize it also offers a social critique that is eerily prescient in today's political climate. Step into the future with Vincent, Irene, and Jerome in Gattaca.

The film brilliantly transports viewers into the future thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Loren Dean aptly portrays the inner conflict of Vincent's valid, law abiding, brother Aton. Uma Thurman radiates cool charisma as Vincent's valid love interest, Irene. Jude Law turns in one of the best performances in his career as Jerome, a valid whose elite status fails to protect him from his own inner torment. Ethan Hawke is nothing short of inspiring in his heartfelt turn as ultimate underdog Vincent and reminds us all of what we can achieve if we only have the drive to pursue it. 

At once a warning for the future and a timeless glimpse into the human condition Gattaca is a film for the ages. Through its intelligent and emotionally raw script the film relates a tale that is at once unique to its futuristic setting and entirely universal. The film's uniformly superb performances bring each of its characters to vibrant, aching, life. Reach for the stars with Vincent in Gattaca.