Tangled in the helix

Code 46

Rating: * * * * (out of 5)
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Running time: 93 minutes
Language: English
Opens Sept. 11

In "Code 46," the dynamics of boy-meets-girl is explained not as destiny but as a genetic consequence. In the near-future world of this movie, widespread cloning threatens to wreak havoc on the gene pool, so the state controls relationships through monitoring the DNA flow. It recalls the world of George Orwell's "1984," but one that's been sanitized and softened with painkillers. Big Brother (in the form of an omniscient insurance company) is keeping a close watch, but the populace, so used to being surrounded by giant, flat-screen TVs, takes it as a matter of course.

In one telling scene, a young couple is seated in a white booth before a counselor-type person in a lab coat who's scrutinizing their DNA. If the combination is deemed a no-go, then their relationship must be terminated. There's no tension here though, just the expectant, cheery atmosphere of people planning their wedding.

"Code 46" is directed by Michael Winterbottom, who's famed for not having a predictable, signature style -- the one enduring distinction seems to be his consistent brilliance.