In a land where “people don’t believe in heroes anymore”, things are at a low point. Set “a few years from now” in a run down world where biker gangs battle with the police on a daily basis. George Millers landmark low budget debut is a classic, and once held the title of highest grossing movie ever because of its small budget. When villain the Nightrider breaks out of prison, he is chased and killed by Max (Mel Gibson) in an explosive car chase, his gang led by the insane Toe Cutter wage war on the police in an act of revenge.

Full of great characters like Max and his buddy Goose, and of course the Toe Cutter and his band of goons. Mad Max is the original post apocalyptic movie and along with its sequels inspired many Japanese Anime and Manga, most notably Fist of the North Star and Violence Jack. The film at times can be disturbing, but what do you expect in a pretty much lawless time.

The score is also an important feature of the movie; it has a grand operatic feel to it and works really well during the dramatic sequences. And to clear up a few things now, the Brian May who composed it is not the same Brian May of Queen. Which is what I always wondered when I first saw it as a kid.

And who could forget the classic cars of the movie, Ford Falcon XB’s: Interceptors. And my favourite, the customised black V8 Interceptor with the supercharger, which made a return in Mad Max 2 (The Road Warrior) When Mad Max was originally released in America, all of the characters voices where dubbed to get rid of the Aussie twang. Which is a bit like Hollywood passing it off as their own. But the new Region 1 DVD release contains the original Australian soundtrack.

The movie was a huge success all around the world and gained Mel Gibson his ticket to stardom. The thing that bothers me though is that no one has ever tried to fill in the gaps between the movies. There is a three year gap between 1 and 2 and about a fifteen years gap between 2 and 3. A comic series of these lost years in Max’ life would be great in my opinion. And a fourth instalment has been rumoured for years, but who knows if that will ever be made...

BACK TO FRONT