Ready Player One: From Concept to Screen is a behind-the-scenes documentary that takes audiences on a journey through the making of Steven Spielberg's 2018 blockbuster film, Ready Player One. The documentary explores the process of adapting the novel by Ernest Cline into a feature film, from initial concept to final product. The documentary begins with interviews from author Ernest Cline and director Steven Spielberg, who discuss their shared love for the 1980s and their excitement for bringing the story of Ready Player One to the big screen. Spielberg explains that he immediately connected with the story's themes of escape and connection, as well as its exploration of virtual reality and gaming culture.
The documentary delves into the film's pre-production process, including discussions about creating the virtual world of the OASIS and designing the film's extensive visual effects. Viewers are shown behind-the-scenes footage of the set design and production process, including the creation of the film's many Easter eggs and references to 80s pop culture.
The documentary also explores the casting process, featuring interviews with the film's stars such as Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, and Ben Mendelsohn. The actors discuss their excitement for the project and the challenges of playing characters who exist primarily in a virtual world.
As the film moves into post-production, the documentary explores the work of the post-production team who helped bring the virtual world of the OASIS to life. Interviews with the film's visual effects artists, composers, and sound designers illustrate the detail and meticulousness required to craft a believable and immersive virtual world.
Throughout the documentary, the film's creators frequently discuss the challenges of creating a movie with such a vast and complicated world. The team discusses the importance of balancing world-building with character development, of making sure the audience cares about the characters as much as they are invested in the world around them.
Ultimately, the documentary provides a fascinating and in-depth look at the making of one of the most visually stunning and thematically rich films of 2018. Ready Player One: From Concept to Screen celebrates the hard work of the cast and crew who brought this beloved story to life, and illuminates the complex and rewarding process of making a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster.
