Post by doomedbloodwork on Oct 13, 2004 6:21:03 GMT -5
It was only thanks to the success of MAD MAX 2 in 1981-82 that the original MAD MAX got the respect, acclaim and financial success that it truly deserved. Admittedly, it was the title change from MAD MAX 2 to THE ROAD WARRIOR in the US that gave it extra strength when competing with other films in that initial release.
For those who don't know, MAD MAX was dubbed into a sort of American English from the original sound mix on it's 1979 release, but recent re-releases, especially on DVD have had the original dialogue dub restored. All I will say on that note is - thank heavens for that!!
Described as 'a Gothic Horror story set in the near future', the film chronicles the battles between the Australian fictional police force, MFP (Main Force Patrol) and the trashy drivers and bikers that roam the roads 'a few years from now...' (as a caption says just as the opening titles roll off the screen) The opening chase involves a crazed driver known simply as The Nightrider who is burning up the road and everything and anything in his way. The drivers in pursuit are powerless. However, calmly standing in a side road and listening in on the transmissions is a lone cop by the name of Max Rockatansky (played by Mel Gibson, masked at first as we don't see much of him except his legs, hands and an image of sunglasses in a rear-view mirror). We then see him as the last line of defence in an increasingly desperate situation.
Max lives with his wife Jessie and son Sprog at a beachside house. We learn he is disillusioned with the life of a traffic cop. His best friend, another cop known as Goose, persuades him to stay on with the lure of a great new car, but then reports from his superior, Lt. McAffee, suggest that associates of the Nightrider have other ideas.....
For it's basic plot and design, MAD MAX works on several levels. Unique in style and look, it has influenced many films since then. Although THE ROAD WARRIOR got many more plaudits on release, MAD MAX is well worth a look, if only for a greater sense of why Max is the way he is in the sequel. If you do get hold of a DVD, make sure you click on the original Australian dub for maximum effect. The dialogue works much better and the humour much broader. Good support from Steve Bisley as Goose and Joanne Samuel as Jessie.
Finally, be prepared in addition for one or two great jump moments along the way as well.....!!!
For those who don't know, MAD MAX was dubbed into a sort of American English from the original sound mix on it's 1979 release, but recent re-releases, especially on DVD have had the original dialogue dub restored. All I will say on that note is - thank heavens for that!!
Described as 'a Gothic Horror story set in the near future', the film chronicles the battles between the Australian fictional police force, MFP (Main Force Patrol) and the trashy drivers and bikers that roam the roads 'a few years from now...' (as a caption says just as the opening titles roll off the screen) The opening chase involves a crazed driver known simply as The Nightrider who is burning up the road and everything and anything in his way. The drivers in pursuit are powerless. However, calmly standing in a side road and listening in on the transmissions is a lone cop by the name of Max Rockatansky (played by Mel Gibson, masked at first as we don't see much of him except his legs, hands and an image of sunglasses in a rear-view mirror). We then see him as the last line of defence in an increasingly desperate situation.
Max lives with his wife Jessie and son Sprog at a beachside house. We learn he is disillusioned with the life of a traffic cop. His best friend, another cop known as Goose, persuades him to stay on with the lure of a great new car, but then reports from his superior, Lt. McAffee, suggest that associates of the Nightrider have other ideas.....
For it's basic plot and design, MAD MAX works on several levels. Unique in style and look, it has influenced many films since then. Although THE ROAD WARRIOR got many more plaudits on release, MAD MAX is well worth a look, if only for a greater sense of why Max is the way he is in the sequel. If you do get hold of a DVD, make sure you click on the original Australian dub for maximum effect. The dialogue works much better and the humour much broader. Good support from Steve Bisley as Goose and Joanne Samuel as Jessie.
Finally, be prepared in addition for one or two great jump moments along the way as well.....!!!
