The Mad Max Effect

Road Warriors in International Exploitation Cinema

Dr James Newton author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:29th Dec '22

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Mad Max Effect cover

This book provides an insightful analysis of the Mad Max series, exploring its cultural impact and influence on post-apocalyptic cinema.

In The Mad Max Effect, readers are taken on a comprehensive journey through the iconic Mad Max film series, exploring its origins and the myriad influences that shaped it. The book delves into how this unique blend of genres, including biker films, revenge narratives, and the high-octane car chases of the 1970s, coalesced into a groundbreaking cinematic experience. It highlights the cultural significance of the series, showcasing how it emerged from the fringes of exploitation cinema to become a cornerstone of popular media.

The author meticulously examines each film in the Mad Max series, providing insights into their themes, stylistic choices, and the socio-political contexts in which they were created. This academic study not only dissects the films themselves but also considers their precursors, offering a broader understanding of the genre's evolution. Through this lens, the book illustrates how the series has inspired a new wave of low-budget 'road warrior' films that proliferated in the 1980s, reshaping the landscape of action cinema.

Ultimately, The Mad Max Effect serves as a vital resource for film scholars and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the enduring legacy of a humble Australian action film. It underscores the profound impact that this series has had on post-apocalyptic narratives and exploitation cinema, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the evolution of film and genre.

The Mad Max Effect stands as an engaging exploration of perhaps the most (in)famous post-apocalyptic action film series and its enduring legacy and influence. Detailing the wider impact of the initial film series, the book addresses examples of international ‘MadMaxploitation’ cinema, 21st century Road Warrior fan productions and the enduring aesthetic influence of ‘Diesel Punk’ in contemporary media. Newton is able to navigate the tarnished steel, burnt out tyres and ignited engine oil to examine the broader contexts of national cinema and cultural identity, transnational cinematic flows, and developments in screen media technology (all of which are central to the ongoing study of global exploitation cinema). * Thomas Joseph Watson, Lecturer in Media Studies, Teesside University, UK *

ISBN: 9781501371097

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

224 pages