Randy Mootooveran
Sci fi, Fantasy, Horror Lit
April 18, 2018

ReadyPlayer One: The Old Clashes with the New

Upon my first reading, I can say I was never a fan of the source material. On top of being incredibly cheesy, it seemed as though it was more interesting in presenting its view of the future instead of making its world or characters feels grounded. While Steven Spielberg's adaptation doesn't escape from this stigma entirely, it showed me the problem modern science fiction has to contend with. our generation.

Science fiction was strongest from the late 70s through 90s (Dues Ex and the Mass Effect trilogy are the only outliers in my opinion). With every new book and film came wildly imaginative worlds that had everyone look to the future in both shock and wonder. Most of the time, these futures were dark and unforgiving; humanity was a rapidly proliferating husk of its current form that had lost many of its values. Risks were often taken to show what effect our actions can have in the long term towards the world, each other, and our own bodies. They could often be unforgiving at times with their nature.

However, things have changed. Our society is slowly progressing towards a vision of unity and fair treatment. With that comes many virtues in the work environment and many downsides in our entertainment. Recent ventures like Lost in Space, Altered Carbon and Blade Runner 2049 seem to be more interested in pandering to their audiences rather than critiquing the flaws of our society that led to a future gone mad. Ironically, the most relevant piece of media that reflects what our society will surely become when left unchecked has already been made: George Orwell's 1984.

Throughout the film's numerous reference to trending entertainment icons, it made me realize just how hollow it all is. Virtual reality is an interesting concept, but one that holds little sway in the real world. It isn't merely judged by the amount of sales they've already accumulated. Instead, it's much more informative to note the projected sales numbers. VR is more of a novelty than the catalyst for a new age of technology.

Ready Player One wants to show what this future may look like, but its execution fails on more than a worldbuilding perspective. Characters are often given the most basic traits that it becomes a struggle to even recall their names. Furthermore, the message of "don't let technology rule your life" is undermined by the fact Wade Watts saves the Oasis by being a pop culture fanatic. If he hadn't spent his every waking moment hooked up to an artificial world, then Stereotypical Evil Cooperation #2, 963  would have succeeded in taking away everyones freedom. It never occurred to anyone that maybe the real problem was what they had allowed their lives to become. It may have divided audiences, but it would have made this film stand above the shackles of our present.

The truth is no one wants to admit what our all inclusive future is turning the youth into. Wade Watts will hardly seem like a cultural icon when he embodies what many teenagers are today. What's worse is that critics lash out at every little detail that doesn't conform to their view of anyone who isn't a heterosexual Caucasian male should be depicted as. Has the world really become so sensitive and overbearing that a simple allusion to a trophy wife means Ready Player One is mysogonist propaganda? In my opinion, that speaks little of progression in society.