A policeman sets out to avenge his family and partner
after they're attacked by a ruthless biker gang. ACTION/CRIME
|
Mad Max (1979)Directed by George Miller
Written by James McCausland and George Miller Starring Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Steve Bisley |
I had expected Mad Max to be a dystopian future bloodbath, but I guess all of that happens in the sequel. This film is much more a straightforward cop film with a young Mel Gibson leading the pack.
Mad Max is a ruthless, action-packed thrill ride that will leave you gasping several times throughout. The villains are downright insane and it's very satisfying to watch Max take them out. I guess my only gripe with the film is that it wasn't the post-apocalyptic adventure I expected. But I guess I'll have to watch The Road Warrior for that. |
George Miller's Mad Max is both a downright entertaining movie and perfectly sets up the series for later installments. Mel Gibson does a great job leading the pack of good guys and Hugh Keays-Byrne is terrifying as the lead villain of a bloodthirsty gang of marauders. While it's not the post-apocalyptic future the series is known for, it still has its own, unique time setting that gives the film its own distinct feeling. A great start to one of cinema's most adrenaline fueled franchises.
Mel Gibson stars as the titular character that would give him the breakthrough success he was looking for. It's easy to see why as he plays the character of 'Mad' Max Rockatansky perfectly. He portrays a sympathetic, yet badass, character the audience can easily root for; all with very little dialogue. Hugh Keays-Byrne also does a wonderful job as the villain, Toecutter. He is a terrifying and, clearly, crazy villain. Kudos also have to go to the director, George Miller. This was his directorial debut and you can see a lot of his trademarks already. The main one being his love of practical effects. Mad Max features some insane stunts that are all the more awesome due to Miller's decision to actually have them done in front of the camera, instead of a computer later. Mad Max is a great start to this franchise. It sets the world up and creates some truly memorable characters. Mel Gibson showed the world he had the chops to lead a movie and George Miller proved to be a director to look out for. The movie's pre-apocalyptic setting also works in its favor, showing a society that is slowly collapsing. I definitely look forward to where the franchise goes from here. |