MAD MAX

MAD MAX (1979) - Policeman Max Rockatowsky (Mel Gibson) attempts to bring law and order to a dystopian future Australia where society is crumbling, oil is scarce, and motorcycle gangs rule the highways. Max's personal world is destroyed when his wife and child are murdered and vengeance becomes his only option. Mel Gibson delivers an exhilarating performance as the tragic, flawed hero and his menacing presence dominates the film. This independent Australian film was George Miller's directorial debut and was the movie that launched Mel Gibson's career. It also was a very early contender in the post-apocalyptic film genre - a genre that continues to build momentum well into the 21st century. In this current age of blue-screen shots and digital explosions, it's refreshing to note that all the stunts and destruction on the screen are real. The cars and motorcycles actually crash and things actually explode!