Where do I start? The incredible production design, the riveting action, the incredible characters with a lived-in feel to their look and equipment? All of these bombard the senses when the introduction and initial set-up, Max, an insane lone survivalist, who suffers from flashbacks from his traumatic past, sets the story in motion.
The story is simple, but the landscape is rich in detail and has so much substance to it, the style and mood in perfect subservient harmony to the main characters and their motivations, that one viewing will definitely not be enough once you collect your jaw from the floor.
As with previous efforts with the Mad Max films, George Miller (genius!) does not hold back on the primal, visceral and grotesque. What's amazing is that he is no less deft when showing emotion and the longing for freedom, especially in the magnificent Charlize Theron. The story evolves from her character's decision to escape with a gaggle of women from the clutches of the warlord Immortan Joe. She takes with her a huge tanker full of fuel.
It's become a commonplace thing to say someone or something got owned, but without an ounce of exaggeration or grandiosity, one can say that George Miller OWNS this genre. Before the original Mad Max films, nothing as raw and real had graced(?) the screen. To my amazement, in spite of his recent efforts making kiddie fare like 'Happy Feet' and it's sequel, the master only gets better with time.
Describing the plot could be done in two lines. Describing the details on the screen as the plot unfolds is nearly impossible. The richness of detail and the knowledge that each character on screen has actually lived a life that could be made into a story of it's own provides a realness and in case of the escapees, a sense of desperation and hope that never lets go even as a macabre automotive ballet provides incredibly realistic and unrelenting action.
Immortan Joe, a warlord, has taken over a supply of fresh water and has created an army of slaves to fight his wars, breed his progeny and to survive on his largesse when he choose to shower the unwashed masses with a some water. Oil is in scarce supply and wars are being fought among rival gangs and towns for control. Imperator Furiosa, the Charlize Theron character, escapes with some of Joe's wives and is headed for 'Green Place' where she grew up before being taken captive by Joe. Max has been captured by Joe's War boys and his blood is being used for generating power. Yes, it's these touches, and the movie is filled with them, that pass by so quickly in a world so dense and real, its requires a repeat viewing.
The party sent out to capture the runaways takes Max along for the ride, and to use his blood to power the vehicle they ride in. Some spectacular chase scenes later, Max ends up along with one of the Warboys, Nux (Nicholas Hoult) helping the women escape.
None of what I have described here can really be called a spoiler. The visual mastery and superior storytelling skills make this an adventure for the ages.
Don't miss it!
Friday, May 22, 2015
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