Who makes a reference to a tragedy that hasn't affected the world's functioning?

In the context of the film "GATTACA," the Director makes a reference to a tragedy that hasn't affected the world's functioning. This reflects the way the society depicted treats the concept of perfection and genetic engineering. The Director is a high-ranking official in this world, and his perspective embodies the institutional viewpoint that prioritizes genetic determinism over personal experience and emotion.

By mentioning a tragedy that is seemingly distant or irrelevant to the day-to-day operations of society, the Director highlights the numbing effects of living in a system that measures worth by genetic quality rather than individual human experiences. This comment serves to underline the cold, clinical environment of GATTACA, where even significant personal tragedies can be overshadowed by the pursuit of perfection and the societal norms that prioritize genetic superiority.

The other characters—Irene, Jerome, and Vincent—experience their own struggles and personal tragedies more acutely, often in relation to the overarching themes of identity and discrimination based on genetics. Their narratives revolve around the emotional impact of living in a world that holds such values, contrasting with the Director's more detached and utilitarian approach.