'Mad Max: Fury Road' A Review

Mad Max: Fury Road is an Australian post-apocalyptic action film, a sequel/revitalization of the 80's franchise. In the distant future civilization has collapsed, gasoline and water are scarce and valuable commodities, and society has devolved into a number of cultish tribes. The film opens on the titular Max(Tom Hardy) alone and battling insanity. He is quickly pursued and captured by the War Boys a clan lead by the cruel despot Immortan Joe. Furiosa(Charlize Theron) is one of Immortan Joe's lieutenants and is sent out to acquire gasoline. Once she goes off course it is discovered she has liberated Immortan Joe's imprisoned "wives" and he sends out his whole army, along with Max in chains, to pursue.

The production design of the film is incredibly rich. From the soundtrack, landscape, cars, and lightening down to the precise minutia of the clanish costumes. There are so many small individual touches that go unexplained that bring the world into vibrant clarity. The dialogue too with specific jargon and slang, much of which we have to infer meaning, help to create a unique reality. The narrative is start to finish a chase, seemingly improbable it never loses momentum and continues to barrel forward with interest constantly engaged. A rare accomplishment for a two hour film.

Although Max is the titular character Furiosa is the real hero of the film. Theron gives one of her most dynamic performances in years- powerful, emotional, and moral. Hardy with barely any dialogue gives a lot of dimension and force to Max while still maintaining an inherent quality of mystery and unknowability. They are equals, partners, with mutual respect. There is no sense that Max is some kind of savior but a capable individual who has teamed with other capable individuals. The women who Furiosa is attempting to free also give great performances. They don't have a ton of dialogue but we get a sense of who they are and they are not victims. They have purpose, personality, depth, and agency. Much has been made of Mad Max:Fury Road's implicit treatment of gender. The film is certainly not about that but through its casual development and equal treatment of its female characters it shines a bright light on a systemic film industry problem.

A transportive thrilling adventure with an important subtle message.

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