I really didn’t think I would like this movie. I think I was a little prejudiced from what I knew (or what I thought I knew) about Max Max movies from ’70s and ’80s. So imagine my surprise when I not only liked this film, I loved it.
For a movie that is basically one huge car chase, “Mad Max: Fury Road” also packs an emotional punch with the amazing Charlize Theron acting as the soul of a movie that could easily have been a mindless action thriller. There are some truly ridonkulous moments, but if you can suspend your disbelief long enough to accept the crazy world that is Mad Max, you will accept the ridiculous and perhaps even embrace it by the end of this epic road rage trip.
We meet Max as he is being chased by an insane roving band called the War Boys. They capture him, but not before he puts up quite a fight. They bring him back to their city, which is … bizarre. They live in a system of caves called the Citadel ruled by a tyrant called Immortan Joe. In this post-nuclear holocaust world the desert landscape stretches far and wide and water and greenery are highly prized. Immortan Joe hordes both of these things, which maintains his power but creates much animosity between himself and the rest of the people who reside at the Citadel. Another thing in short supply is gasoline. So Joe sends one of his lieutenants, Imperator Furiosa, on a mission to lead a caravan to collect more fuel. Theron plays Furiosa with such steely focus that at first you’re not sure which side she is on. But it soon becomes apparent that she’s got her own agenda when she veers off course on the gas run. She’s done the unthinkable and taken Joe’s most prized possessions, his five wives. Upon discovering this, Joe is enraged and assembles a war party to chase down Furiosa.
The imprisoned Max, played by Tom Hardy, gets caught up in the mix as he has been designated a universal blood donor and is being used to give transfusions to a sick War Boy. Max is literally attached to the War Boy by a tube and so inevitably has to go on the war path when Joe amasses forces to go after Furiosa. The action from here on out is relentless. The urgency of Furiosa’s mission is palpable and the tension between herself, Max and the wives is ever present. There is very little trust between anyone in this post-apocalyptic world where resources are so few. You look out for yourself or you are dead. That is why Furiosa’s self-imposed mission to free Joe’s wives is so interesting. Along the way, Max develops a begrudging respect for Furiosa, and she in turn appreciates his help but also his ability to stay out of her way.
This movie could have been all about Max saving the wives from returning to Joe’s clutches, but it truly was about Furiosa and her female agency. This was her movie, and I appreciate director George Miller’s trust in his characters and the viewers to let it be Furiosa’s tale. It ended up being a far more intriguing story that way. Hardy’s Max was actually an excellent foil to Theron’s Furiosa. After seeing her in action, he does the smart thing and lets her lead. He recognizes her capability and knack for survival and wisely steps back so she can enact her plan.
There was actually a lot left unsaid about Furiosa. For starters, she is missing a hand. How did she lose it? We never find out. Nobody ever mentions it, probably because she is just as capable with one hand as most people are with two. It’s just not an issue. How did she get to be a lieutenant in Joe’s army? We never find that out. She is an enigma. But her emotional intensity is what makes us like her. She is nearly invincible yet somehow vulnerable. She is almost a mythic figure in the physical feats she accomplishes and yet, she is down-to-earth and practical in her approach to saving the wives. She is a character worth building a franchise around, though I suspect they will continue on featuring Max in future installments seeing as how the films are named after him.
If you’re up for an unyielding road chase through an amazingly detailed desolate desert landscape with characters that are captivating and defy stereotypes, then “Mad Max: Fury Road” should be right up your alley. It kind of blew my mind, in a good way. Have you seen this movie? What did you think?
It is now on my list.
Sounds intense. Like you, I have been put off by the title. Definitely will give it a watch. I find futuristic apocalyptic scenarios fascinating. Really transports one out of the comfort zone. The character names seem to reflect personalities? Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, I like the strong female image. 👍
Good movie, and even better commentary– I sure do love the way you write! Miss you & see you soon!
I don’t think I can talk Dan into it!!