The Road to Apocalypse: Analyzing Mad Max 2

Mad Max 2, 1981

Director: George Miller

Link to Trailer


Mad Max 2 is a dystopian film that follows Rockatansky, a former police officer who is now an outsider and is attempting to survive in this hostile environment. A group of survivors led by the charismatic Pappagallo are discovered by Max. Pappagallo and his crew have discovered a huge gasoline-filled tanker truck and are attempting to move it to an area known as the "Oil Refinery," where they hope to guarantee their future. But a vicious band of criminals led by the mysterious and vicious Lord Humungus is continually attacking them. Max joins Pappagallo's crew after he agrees to assist them in defending the tanker in exchange for a cut of the gasoline. In an effort to help the survivors from the marauders and make it to the safety of the Oil Refinery, Max upgrades his renowned car, the Interceptor. The movie is known for both its unique post-apocalyptic backdrop and its dramatic and exciting car chases.  "Mad Max 2" is regarded as a classic in the genre and greatly influenced later post-apocalyptic and action movies.

The main Plot Device used in Mad Max 2 would be the tanker truck filled with gasoline. The survivors, led by Pappagallo, are trying to transport the tanker to the safety of the Oil Refinery, where they hope to secure a stable future by having access to the precious gasoline. The pursuit of the tanker by both the survivors and the marauders led by Lord Humungus forms the central conflict of the movie and drives the plot.

The 3 main acts of the film begin with, The first scene of the movie establishes Max as a former police officer who has become an outsider in a post-apocalyptic setting. A brief review of the first "Mad Max" movie's events follows. Max comes upon a gang of survivors being commanded by Pappagallo who are trying to defend a priceless fuel tanker. Max agrees to assist the survivors in defending the tanker in exchange for a portion of the fuel. The main opponents are introduced as the marauders, led by Lord Humungus, whose dogged pursuit of the tanker initiates the fight.

While defending the tanker, Max makes many attempts to get away from the marauders. Tensions increase as the marauders intensify their pursuit and move faster. The final confrontation in this act takes place at a complex the survivors built to protect the tanker, where a fierce battle breaks out between them and the marauders.

In the climactic last battle, Max and the survivors triumph over the marauders. Max makes the decision to leave the survivors behind and carry on alone. To secure a steady future with access to gasoline, the survivors successfully transported the tanker to the oil refinery. The Feral Kid narrates the legend of the Road Warrior (Max) and his exploits in the wasteland as the movie comes to a close.

Max is presented as a lone traveler at the start of the movie who is mostly focused on surviving in the hostile post-apocalyptic environment. He has a strong sense of self-preservation that drives him. As the plot develops, Max reluctantly joins forces with the survivors commanded by Pappagallo. He initially assists them in exchange for personal gain (a portion of the gas), but he gradually develops a greater interest in their survival and well-being. When Max chooses to remain and fight alongside the survivors against the marauders, it is clear that he has undergone a transformation.

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