| Film | Rating/5 | Cover |
Extraordinary Measures (2010) - A film that looks directly at gene therapy, based on the true story of a couple whose children have Pompe's disease. The couple in the film set up their own biotechnology company to develop a drug to save their sick daughter. There are some well known leads here - Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford - although as a film the reviews were mixed and the box office performance disappointing. |
 |
|
My Sister's Keeper (2009) - A timely look at the practice of using PGD to screen for a donor match for an existing sick child. This shows the arguments for and against 'saviour siblings' in a balanced and fair way, even though it turns out that the film is about something else entirely. Engaging, and one that's popular with students too. |
 |
|
Gattaca (1998) - What was science fiction less than a decade ago is now possible. The start of this movie is an excellent way into a debate about genetic engineering. Ethan Hawke plays a character born naturally in a society where everyone is genetically 'improved'. It shows brilliantly how PGD can be used to prevent 'premature baldness, myopia (short sightedness), addictive susceptibility' etc. Written by the writer/director of Lord of War and The Truman Show, an under-rated quality film. |
|
|
Godsend (2004) - This is a great movie, starring Robert De Niro, with a choice of endings, but the relevant bit for ethicists comes at the beginning. A family tragically lose their son, then a doctor offers to clone him for them. A good way to start a debate on the ethics of cloning. |
 |
|
The 6th Day - Despite the reference to Genesis in the title, there's little here that counts as a religious - or ethical - response. I quite like the concept of 'repet' (bringing your pet back to life) and it's not a bad way to start a debate. |
|
