The Collapse of Society: Apocalypses in Mad Max: Fury Road and Their Real-World Relevance
The Collapse of Society: Apocalypses in 'Mad Max: Fury Road' and Their Real-World Relevance
In the Mad Max series, the apocalypse takes various forms in different installments. These apocalypses serve as thematic underpinnings for the post-apocalyptic landscapes and societies viewers encounter. While the filmmakers have maintained a nonchalant approach to creating a continuous narrative, the apocalypses in each film share common themes that resonate with real-world scenarios.
Origins of the Apocalypse
In the first 'Mad Max' film: The apocalypse is in progress, characterized by a collapse of modern society due to the dwindling resources of oil. This scarcity leads to the breakdown of infrastructure and order as violent gangs take control of what remains of the society.
In the second film: The cause of societal collapse is left ambiguous. However, it is suggested that the collapse is due to the exhaustion of oil, as two warrior tribes engage in a war for control over the limited remaining supplies. The tribes might represent larger geopolitical powerhouses like the USA and USSR, or they could be a more localized conflict in the Middle East.
In the third film: The collapse is attributed to a nuclear war that occurred a decade to two decades prior, with the children at the oasis being young adults who remember the war. This nuclear exchange seems to have occurred long enough ago that those who can still recall it are now elderly, while the protagonist, Max, remains roughly the same age as he was in the previous films.
In the fourth film: The society has collapsed due to a nuclear war that happened even further in the past. In this case, anyone who remembers the conflict is old, but Max still appears to be in the same age range. The timeline of these events, while not strictly continuous, creates a sense of generational passage and recovery.
Common Themes and Continuity
Despite the disjointed timelines between the films, certain themes remain consistent. The energy crisis and its ramifications form the initial stage of societal collapse, followed by a nuclear exchange that accelerates and completes what started as a gradual breakdown. The energy crisis leading to the collapse of modern civilization is a recurring motif, similar to the event in the Fallout series.
The initial energy crisis destabilizes society, leading to chaos and the breakdown of governmental structures. This creates a power vacuum that is often filled by violent factions or individuals seeking to control dwindling resources. Nuclear war exacerbates this situation by introducing radioactive fallout and widespread destruction, which turns already harrowing conditions into apocalyptic devastation.
Real-World Relevance
The scenarios depicted in the Mad Max series and related works have parallels to real-world events and potential future scenarios. For instance, the oil crisis of the 1970s led to significant geopolitical changes and economic upheaval, while the nuclear threats of the Cold War have left legacies that continue to shape global politics.
With the ongoing issues of resource depletion, climate change, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons, these apocalyptic narratives offer a lens through which we can explore the fragility of modern society. They highlight the potential consequences of unchecked resource consumption and the destructive capabilities of technology.
Conclusion
The apocalypses in the Mad Max series provide a framework for understanding and reflecting on the potential for societal collapse. While the films may not always present a cohesive timeline, the consistent themes of resource scarcity, conflict, and nuclear exchange offer insights into the real-world implications of such scenarios. These narratives serve as cautionary tales, urging us to consider the long-term sustainability of our actions and the potential ramifications of our choices.