I can remember the first time I saw MAD MAX. I was lucky enough to see it at a drive in, the perfect venue for a movie like this. A huge screen outside with tons of action taking place on the open road. The highway nearby with cars roaring past the same as they were on the screen. It was indeed the perfect location.
Years later I’d see it on both tape and disc. The movie still packed a punch. Its youthful lead actor would go on to high acclaim and later undeserved infamy. Two sequels and a remake would take place. Director George Miller would helm them all as well as films like THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, HAPPY FEET and LORENZO’S OIL. But that movie held the honor of being where those involved launched into successful careers and deservedly so. It also kicked off a wave of futuristic films all taking place in a vast wasteland but never comparable to this one.
If you’ve never seen the film you’re in for an action packed treat. The near future in Australia sees disrespect at an all-time high for the police. The film opens with biker and gang member Crawford "Nightrider" Montazano killing a rookie member of the Main Force Patrol (MFP). This highway patrol group takes it personal and sets out to capture the killer. He eludes them all with the exception of their best officer Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) and dies in a fiery crash.
Max finishes his day by telling his boss he wants to retire. Before he lets him do so he shows them a new car they’ve made just for him in the hopes of his changing his mind: a supercharged V8 black Pursuit Special (call it foreshadowing, you know it will come into play later). It’s not enough to keep him as he has a wife (Joanne Samuel) and child he knows need his attention more. This will be his last week.
The gang Nightrider belonged to are set on revenge for the death of their fellow member. Led by psychotic leader Toecutter (Hugh Keays-Burn) they run rampant over the town, kidnap and rape a young couple and avoid capture with the exception of young Johnny (Tim Burns). Caught by Max and his best friend Goose (Steve Bisley) they take him to jail to await trial. But when no one shows as witnesses in the trial he is set free.
The gang gets their revenge by taking out Goose’s car not long after. As he sits trapped in the car, Toecutter orders Johnny to set fire to the wreck, burning Goose in the process. When Max find his friend clinging to life but burned to a crisp he immediately resigns and sets out to regain his sanity on a vacation with his wife and child. But the gang has other plans for Max.
The story is a simple revenge tale but it is the visual artistry of Miller that captures the action in ways not used prior to this film. Select scenes make you feel like you’re there in the car, there driving along the pavement and involved in the action taking place. The acting, especially by Gibson, is some of the best for a film like this. It gives Gibson a chance to show his skills and led to others discovering him as well.
The film is finally being released in 4K with some wonderful extras from Kino Lorber. Not only is there a 4K version of the film a blu-ray version is included as well and at an affordable price. The extras included are “Road Rage” a new interview with director Miller, interviews with Mel Gibson and Joanne Samuel and cinematographer David Eggby, an audio commentary track with art director Jon Dowding, Eggby, special effects artist Chris Murray and moderated by filmmaker Tim Ridge, “Mel Gibson-Birth of a Superstar”, “Mad Max: The Film Phenomenon”, the theatrical trailer, TV spots, “Trailers from Hell with Josh Olson and radio spots for the film.
While watching this I was reminded of what an
amazing and fantastic film it actually was. I’d forgotten the great story
telling abilities of Miller and his vision here. The movie, made in 1979, has
held up after all these years. It still is one of the best action films ever
made. This version of the movie is not one to just watch all over again, it’s
one worth adding to your collection. No matter what you’ve heard or seen
before, make a point of picking this one up.
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