Ready Player One, based on the 2011 science fiction novel of the same name by Ernest Cline, is set in a time when the virtual reality of the “Oasis” is more appealing than the everyday struggle of living in the real world.
Despite being set in the future, the film breezes through references from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s leaving a trail of nostalgia in its wake. A time Spielberg calls a “stress-free decade.” A period of time that not only serves as an invisible character for the story but is of clear importance to Spielberg.
But don’t expect an overabundance of references to his own films from that era. While there are a few head nods to classics like Back to the Future the film does it’s best not to topple into Spielberg worship territory.
Ahead of the release of Ready Player One, director Steven Spielberg spoke to BSO on the importance of nostalgia to the film and his life, and how he and his family host viewing parties every year to review their best family moments.
Ready Player One, premiers on March 29.
To hear Spielberg discuss the importance of nostalgia in his personal life and the yearly family viewing party he hosts flip the page.