Mad Max

That was very confusing. Not bad. But it starts In Media Res, with NO explanations as to who the good guys or the bad guys are. Around the second half of the picture is when it becomes a cohesive narrative, and a revenge picture.

This is the first film in the sci-fi franchise about a post apocalyptic wasteland and the end of civilization.

What's interesting about the first movie is there really isn't any sci-fi attached to it at all. It's not even set after the Apocalypse (which apparently happens between this movie and the next). It fucking sucks out there, but civilization and society currently still exist, as does Law and Order (even if the law is currently losing). It's very interesting that the first film has NONE of the tropes the series was famous for.

Some things to note about the first film. Most films with a protagonist with a tragic backstory kill off the lover / parent / loved one at the beginning and their entire arc is about revenge. Jessie and their kid are killed near the end and we spend most of the picture with her and Max and their family happy and content. Was Miller planning sequels already? Because that is a fabulous and unique hook.

Other notes: The film is ridiculously low budget, especially knowing how big the franchise eventually became. I mentioned it's set before the apocalypse. It's also before the really souped up futuristic trucks. These are pretty much cars from the 1970's that occasionally have an extra hood ornament attached. Cheap as hell.

I just reviewed (and panned) the modestly budgeted Darkman for making everything look fake. While I can't say the ultra cheap Mad Max looks realistic, low-budget or not, the major dramatic beats are played to the hilt, and are horrifying instead of laughable. I have not seen any of the other Max Max movies yet (I will be watching them all soon) so I have no idea if I'll like everything else. But I respect the opening for being solid, weird, confusing, and something that stubbornly refuses to explain itself. 3 stars.