Review of Mad Max (1979) by Robert H — 30 Jul 2014

Before watching this, I was aware of Mad Max as a character and that this was the role that made Mel Gibson a star. However, I wasn't completely expecting what I got here. It wasn't bad by any means, but MAD MAX is a bit more low-key than I expected.

I'm guessing that the reputation was built off of the sequels. Still, what George Miller came up with for this first entry was pretty spectacular. The story takes place in Australia a few years in the future (which would have been around 1982 at the time of release).

Society hasn't completely gone to hell yet, but it's clearly on the precipice. Biker gangs and marauders roam the countryside, attack random people and cops, do a lot of road-racing and are a general menace.

They are pursued by the Main Force Police, who although tasked with managing the biker gangs and trying to keep order, are barely distinguishable from the people they're pursuing. It isn't a point that's particularly labored in the movie, but society has devolved to the point where the only difference between "good" and "bad" is a badge.

This minor, but a core, aspect is what I liked the most about the film: the idea that there aren't any heroes. There is right and wrong, but the lines are often blurred. Anyway, among these cops is Max Rockatansky, the guy they call when the other cops get into a snafu.

He's the guy that gets the job done. He's also a family man, with a wife and young child. Despite the post-apocalyptic setting, this is actually the main drive for the story, which is more of a revenge picture than a straight action movie.

Yes, there are a few action sequences, but the film is equally about Max's transformation into the badass we know and love, as it is about the overall look and feel and the superbly choreographed chase sequences.

More fickle viewers might get a little bored with the lull in the middle, but there should be enough action to satisfy genre fans. And speaking of action, the opening sequence is probably the best out of them, although the final one is very well-executed in its own right.

The first one, for me, is the best because it sets the tone of the movie, quickly established Max as a character (as well as his role/reputation) and featured some amazing car and motorcycle stunts which, given when this was made, were all done practically.

All of the action sequences were well-done, but the first one sticks out in particular to me because of the way it opens the film. There was also a sequence late into the film where some bikers are pursuing a gasoline truck, and one of them pole vaults onto the top of it.

I do have a little prior knowledge of the sequels, and this was a great way to establish that aspect as well as add more detail to the world that George Miller created. Overall, this is a well-made, engaging film with some great action and a minimal, but effective, performance by Mel Gibson.

Highly recommended.