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CinemaPsych PodcastAuthor: Alexander B. Swan
Where psychology meets films. We dissect and analyze popular films and their psychological content. Language: en Genres: Science, Social Sciences, TV & Film Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 117: Is it Nature or Nurture that Gets You into Space? Gattaca (1997) with Alan Whitehead
Episode 117
Monday, 13 July, 2026
Join Alex and Dr. Alan Whitehead as they tackle the age-old debate in psychology explored in the film Gattaca (1997) — nature vs. nurture! The film was written and directed by Andrew Niccol and stars Ethan Hawke as Vincent, a man who was born normally (a shock, we know!) and predicted to die at 30 years old. He doesn't accept that fate based on his genes alone and vows to go to Titan by using Jude Law's Jerome Eugene Morrow's life, a man who was a genetic wunderkind. The film also stars Uma Thurman as Irene, Vincent's love interest (and Ethan's as well). Don't forget Ernest Borgnine and Alan Arkin! The central question of the film asks: are genes destiny or can fortune favor the experiences and determination of a life? The discussion also wonders what the point of all of this eugenics would actually be and why everyone is so interested in going to space. The best way to beat your genes? Swim out into the middle of the ocean! Check out Alan's workplace and sports consulting org: Mirthworks Institute Please leave your feedback on this post, the main site (cinemapsychpod.swanpsych.com), on Facebook (@CinPsyPod), or Threads/Instagram (@cinemapsych_podcast). We'd love to hear from you! If you like this content, you might like my new Audible audiobook/course, A Psychologist Goes to the Movies, available now! It features six films that have been on this show, condensed into 25-30 min essays, researched and analyzed. Don't forget to check out our Paypal link to contribute to this podcast and keep the lights on! Don't forget to check out our MERCH STORE for some great merch with our logo and other designs! Legal stuff: 1. All film clips are used under Section 107 of Title 17 U.S.C. (fair use; no copyright infringement is intended). 2. Intro and outro music by half.cool ("Gemini"). Used under license. 3. Film reel sound effect by bone666138. Used under license CC-BY 3.0. Episode Transcription Go to this link to read a transcript generated by Whisper AI Large V3 Model. Disclaimer: It is not edited and may contain errors!
