Reflections on Mad Max: Furiosa - A Visual Spectacle with Flaws

Mad Max: Furiosa, the 2018 post-apocalyptic action thriller directed by George Miller, left me with a mixed bag of emotions. While I must admit that I enjoyed many aspects of the film, the overall visual experience was severely marred by the overuse of CGI. This is especially disappointing given the advancements in visual effects over the past decade.

Overwhelming CGI and Articifiality

From the very first scene, it was clear that the film had a cartoonish, unrealistic feel. The costumes, makeup, motorcycle stunts, photography, and acting all seemed like they were rendered on a computer screen. Even the motorcycle rides appeared fake, with the motorcycles moving in a way that felt unnatural and pre-programmed. The overall aesthetic was very much akin to a Cotton Candy Mad Max, evoking a sugary, artificial world rather than a gritty, desolate wasteland.

The overuse of CGI was so extreme that it took away from the immersive nature of the film. In comparison, I have seen video game graphics that were more polished and realistic, leaving me questioning why 168 million dollars could not produce a better visual experience. This is particularly noticeable in scenes where characters are climbing vehicles, barely hanging onto each other, or when someone is pushed off a platform by a rush of bullets.

Character Development and Plot Mechanics

Despite the flawed visual effects, there were aspects of the film that I appreciated, such as the more nuanced plot and character development. Furiosa’s journey from a happy childhood to being captured, traded into sex slavery, and eventually becoming a Warboy (or War Rig driver) was more logically constructed. The fact that her role as the War Rig driver was earned through mutual feelings rather than sheer force is a welcome break from the harsh realism of Fury Road.

Furiosa’s transformation is a subtle yet powerful narrative arc. Her growth and acceptance of her new role, although not entirely convincing, still provided more psychological depth than what we saw in Fury Road, where the characters were primarily focused on survival and immediate threats.

Technical Aspects and Filming Locations

The technical aspects of the film, including stunt work and filming locations, also added to the overall experience. The chase sequence involving the War Rig was particularly impressive, having taken 86 days to film. It was evident that a lot of effort went into this scene, which was a standout feature of the film. However, the difference in the location choice - Namibian desert for Fury Road and Australia for Furiosa - resulted in what felt like a less authentic setting in some parts of Furiosa.

The fact that much of the film, especially in the background, was shot in a studio with green screens added to the artificial feel. It was odd to see background elements that had to be digitally altered during post-production. George Miller, at 79, is unlikely to be running around in the desert, which made it understandable that much of the action was shot in controlled environments. However, this does impact the authenticity of the film, which is a crucial element for a post-apocalyptic action movie.

Sequels and Enhancements

Overall, Furiosa is a sequel that does manage to enhance the Mad Max universe beyond its predecessor. While it falls short of the jaw-dropping visual effects of Fury Road, it provides a richer storyline and more developed characters. Sequels and prequels are expected to provide a new experience and to complement the original film, which Furiosa does to some extent.

It’s important to note that the film has its strengths and weaknesses, and while the CGI was a significant drawback, the narrative and character development offer a new perspective on the Mad Max world. For fans of the franchise, Furiosa is a worthwhile watch, especially for those who appreciate the storytelling and character arcs.

Conclusion

Furiosa is not a sequel that meets every fan expectation, but it does bring a new dimension to the Mad Max universe. While the visual effects were overused, the plot and character development are more substantial than those in Fury Road. It’s a solid addition to the series, providing a different but richer experience for viewers.