The Madness of Max

The Madness of Max is a documentary film from 2015 that explores the making of the iconic Australian film Mad Max. The documentary is directed by Gary McFeat and narrated by John Arnold, with interviews from several members of the original cast and crew, including Steve Bisley, Tim Burns, Bertrand Cadart, and Mel Gibson.

The documentary begins with a brief history of George Miller, the director and co-writer of Mad Max. Miller was born in Australia in 1945 and grew up on a farm, where he developed a love for storytelling and filmmaking. He studied medicine briefly before switching to film school, where he met his future collaborator Byron Kennedy.

Miller and Kennedy worked on several short films together before deciding to make a feature-length movie. They came up with the idea for Mad Max in the mid-1970s, after noticing the increase in car accidents and road rage in Australia. They wanted to make a film that would explore the themes of violence and isolation in a post-apocalyptic world.

The documentary then goes on to explore the making of Mad Max, from the casting to the location scouting to the special effects. It features interviews with several members of the cast and crew, who share their memories and experiences of working on the film.

One of the most interesting aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the challenges Miller and his team faced during the production of Mad Max. The film was made on a very low budget, and the cast and crew often had to improvise and make do with whatever resources they had available. They also had to deal with unpredictable weather conditions, difficult locations, and a tight shooting schedule.

Despite these obstacles, the filmmakers were able to create a movie that would go on to become a cult classic. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at how this was accomplished, with fascinating insights into the creative process and the technical aspects of filmmaking.

The documentary also provides an interesting glimpse into the cultural context in which Mad Max was made. The film was released in 1979, during a period of social and political upheaval in Australia. It was seen by many as a reflection of the fears and anxieties of the time, particularly around issues of violence and lawlessness.

The Madness of Max is a must-see for fans of Mad Max and for anyone interested in the history of Australian cinema. It offers a fascinating and informative look at the making of one of the most iconic films of the 20th century, as well as the cultural and social context in which it was created. The interviews with the cast and crew are insightful and entertaining, and the documentary is well-paced and engaging throughout.

In conclusion, The Madness of Max is a must-watch documentary for fans of Mad Max and for anyone interested in the history of Australian cinema. It is a fascinating and informative look at the making of one of the most iconic films of the 20th century, and offers valuable insights into the creative process and the cultural context in which the film was made.