MAD MAX (1979)

Film of the Day #70

MAD MAX
1979 • George Miller

Screenplay: James McCausland, George Miller
Cast: Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Steve Bisley, Tim Burns, Roger Ward
Cinematography: David Eggby
Music: Brian May

Roadshow Film

The chain in those handcuffs is high-tensile steel. It'd take you ten minutes to hack through it with this. Now, if you're lucky, you could hack through your ankle in five minutes.

Buckle up and hit the gas!

The cult classic that paved the way for an epic franchise. That's right, we're talking about Mad Max. Now, a lot of people mistakenly think this is The Road Warrior, but no, that’s the sequel.

Strap yourselves in for an exciting near-chaos-future adventure! Mad Max takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where highway cops chase down criminals in their badass muscle cars. But things aren't as simple as they seem. Their biggest problem is an insane biker gang called the Acolytes, led by the charismatic and unhinged Toecutter, played brilliantly by Hugh Keays-Byrne. He also portrayed the unforgettable Immortan Joe in Mad Max: Fury Road 36 years later.

Director George Miller managed to pull off this exhilarating flick with next to no budget. The low-fi filmmaking of Mad Max actually adds to the dystopian setting. The film showcases Miller's sheer talent and creativity, making the most out of every penny. It's a testament to what can be achieved with passion and resourcefulness.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the jaw-dropping stunts in this film. Remember, this was made in the late '70s, and the practical effects still hold up today. The car chases are heart-pounding, the crashes are intense, and you can feel the adrenaline rush through your veins. The stunt team deserves a standing ovation for their fearless dedication to bringing the action to life.

The last act of Mad Max is where things really amp up. Max Rockatansky, played by Mel Gibson in his breakout role, goes on a single-minded mission for payback. He's out for revenge against those who killed his partner, his wife and his son. The tension builds, the stakes are high, and Max's determination is unwavering. It's a gripping conclusion that solidifies the character's legend.

Mad Max may be a low-budget action film, but it punches above its weight class. George Miller's direction is masterful, Hugh Keays-Byrne's villainous performance is unforgettable, and the stunts will leave you breathless.

Any longer out on that road and I'm one of them, you know? A terminal crazy... only I got a bronze badge to say I'm one of the good guys.

Streaming: Fubo TV, Paramount+, MGM+, Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available on most digital retail sites
Physical Media: Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD.