The first live-action sequel in Australian cinema was new and original in other ways too. Leaning into the more understated action elements and post-apocalyptic aesthetic of the original, the astonishing direction of George Miller, who had in some ways been unhappy with Max’s previous iteration, created a new model for action films. Max (Mel Gibson), haunted by the death of his family, lives a life of mere survival, driving aimlessly around the Outback, his dog his only company, the search for food and more gasoline his only purpose. Finding a group of settlers with their own working oil refinery, he is drawn into a conflict between them and a group of marauders under the dominion of the fearsome Lord Humungus.

Notes by Kevin Coyne.

Screening as part of the Australian Dreams season.