In Furiosa: From the Mad Max saga, George Miller recovers the best of his complex apocalyptic universe. Not just by exploring the titular character, this time played by Anya Taylor Joy. Also, because of the way in which he analyzes a devastated future, in which water is a wealth and human fertility is a currency. Little by little, the director manages to explore the most curious aspects of a world that was born almost by chance. And over the decades, it has become more dense, powerful and a fundamental part of action cinema.
But perhaps, because the franchise began as an ever-expanding experiment, it needs to be carefully revisited ahead of its latest installment. Especially because George Miller had the ability to add unexpected elements that deepened his view of the future. What began as a wild version of the one-man army trope ran through the 1970s and 1980s as a visual and narrative experiment. one who with Furiosa: From the Mad Max saga reaches its highest point.
We leave you the timeline to watch the film, if you want to better understand George Miller’s most recent film. From the production that gave Mel Gibson early success to what is now considered a classic action work. It is a journey that allows you to delve deeper into a monumental and excessive saga. Also, in a litmus test of cinematographic resources to narrate impossible worlds.
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Mad Max, Wild Highway (1979)
With just a $350,000 budget — and a gross of $100 million — George Miller gave way to what would be the beginning of a franchise that has distinguished itself by telling a lot with little. Based on his own story, the director directed this minimal epic, about a dystopian era in which water and gasoline are scarce products. Much more, which forces a confrontation between factions and savages on the roads, in the midst of increasing disorder and chaos.
The film follows Max ‘Mad’ Rockatansky (Mel Gibson, in the first major role of his career), a police officer willing to confront anarchy in a shattered Australia. But what begins with a story in which he must test his ability against gang members and pirates aboard modified cars, will end as a total and destructive revenge. That, when Max’s wife and son are murderers in the middle of the journey.
The film closes with the promise of a much more elaborate tour of this universe in decline. But also, laying the foundation for the story of the apocalypse from an industrial, mechanized and exaggerated angle. All characteristics that the saga will retain from now on.
Mad Max 2, The Road Warrior (1981)
Again, with George Miller in the direction and as part of the group of screenwriters – completed by Terry Hayes and Brian Hannant – the direct sequel to the film already explores a world devastated by atomic war. With a punk aesthetic and post-apocalyptic features, the film does not abandon its main plot. Namely: how the world survives its own ashes and especially, confronts the different factions that emerge from the destruction.
With music by Brian May, the film already has the air of a furious epic about the rubble of a world reduced to ashes. If in the previous film, a possible nuclear collision was hinted at, this time Miller dares to explore the scenario. That, as he tours Australia – again a focal point – and its destroyed stage. With Max at the helm (Gibson), the plot becomes an exercise in shocking images on the asphalt.
More ambitious and profound than its predecessor, Mad Max 2. The Road Warrior Follow the settlers who face the hordes of savages on the asphalt. All, in the middle of a frontal and primitive war for control of gasoline and water.
Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
On this occasion, George Miller shares the direction of the film with George Ogilvie, which makes the plot a little less experimental and includes a greater number of dialogues. Another addition of interest is the presence of the singer Tina Turner, as the villainous Aunt Ama, along with the regular Mel Gibson. Which gave the film a turnaround from its usual independent style, to get closer to a blockbuster.
All in all, the film remains a frenetic journey through an apocalyptic world. With more budget, Miller innovates in analyzing the castes, tribes and facets that the destruction left in its wake. In fact, the first scene shows Max walking away from the last remains of civilization to make it clear that even, The memories begin to be left behind.
Even more interesting is the way in which the script constructs alternate stories, such as that of a tribe of children around a plane and the city Negociudad. Although it was not as well received as the previous films, It is considered essential to understand the scope of Miller’s proposal.
Furiosa: From the Mad Max saga (2024)
In terms of chronology within the universe of the saga and especially, the prequel quality of Furiosa: From the Mad Max sagathe story is set directly after Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. Or at least, in the way of narrating the events, although it is evident that they take place decades after the events detailed in the 1985 film.
On this occasion, the film explores Furiosa (Anya Taylor Joy) and her entire journey in the middle of an apocalyptic world. Based on a complete draft of what happened in Miller’s universe, The film takes one of those stories and develops it parallel to the main world.
So it follows Furiosa from her childhood (Alyala Browne) to her vassalage to Warlord Dementus (Hemsworth). Then, narrate her life as a young adult (Taylor-Joy), which led her to occupy a place in the hierarchy of Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme). Closer to the 1980 versions, the film shows the post-apocalyptic world and what has happened since the definitive fall of civilization.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
In the chronological order of the universe, This film occupies last place and has the honor of showing Mad Max to a new generation. This time played by Tom Hardy, the film begins immediately after the events of Furiosa: From the Mad Max saga.
So it tells how Max is kidnapped by a hostile group and taken as prey. Which crosses the map of Furiosa’s (Charlize Theron) rebellion, against Immortal Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and his escape, with his five wives.
It is also the film that introduces Furiosa to the cinematic world — this time in her adult version — and in the end, how he ends up reigning after defeating his nemesis.
