There are many standards by which we can measure the influence of theMad Maxfranchise.
The series consists of five excellent movies, all made by Australian filmmakerGeorge Millerand a host of co-creators.
Although Miller helms each of the entries, the franchise has evolved over its 45-year existence.
By 1985, Mel Gibson had gone from handsome but gruff Aussie weirdo to potential Hollywood leading man.
That choice, however, resulted in a film with a divided tonedivided from itself and the other films.
Mad Max (1979)
Anyone who revisits the firstMad Maxwill be shocked by its small scale.
Where everything fromThe Road Warriorout created a whole new post-apocalyptic world, the firstMad Maxstays largely grounded.
Sure, things are getting bad in the films dystopian vision of Australia, but where isnt that true?
Its a battle Max loses.
His wife and child are dead, so are the people responsible.
Now Max must wander a world that no longer makes sense.
That tension between Maxs madness and his heroism drivesThe Road Warrior.
Mad Mad: Fury Road (2015)
Even today,Mad Max: Fury Roadfeels like a miracle.
Turns out,everything.
