Textual analysis of 'Mad Max'

Mad Max: Fury Road Textual analysis

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IJ8_Jf891k

Again we like the use of the introduction to describe the setting and character, in this case through the monologue. Therefore, we have a choice between whether to use a monologue or radio takings to describe the events. Furthermore, the character of Max is likable because he is straight forwards, strong and seems to be represented as a cool guy, as a result we will use his character as a starting point to develop our protagonist. Again, this film uses flashbacks and visions to connote that his stressful past and it allows a climax to build.

Genre:

Mad Max is a hybrid Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi genre connoting that it uses a mix of conventions. One generic convention is near death situations. This is shown when Max’s car explodes connoting that he could have died but because he is the protagonist we expect him to survive. Another example of a generic convention is the futuristic technology which allows the use of new technology and machinery connoting the advancing future. Also, following a typical Adventure convention is the use of a clear protagonist. This is shown through Max’s character and his brave representations when he fights of the antagonists.

 Narrative:

 In this scene, Propp’s theory is connoted through ‘The hero’ of Max as he is represented as a courageous fighter and he seems to be an important part of this extract, since he was the first character we see and his past life is connoted through his flashbacks. This also means that the narrative is non-linear because it does not follow a clear chronological order because events do not occur in time order. As well as this, ‘villains’ are connoted through the use of the pack who are represented as vicious when they torture and capture Max and twisted through their deformed figure. This could link to the binary opposites of good vs evil.

Furthermore, Todorov’s theory of 5 states is applied. Firstly, an equilibrium as the narrative, characters and setting is introduced when Max is on the sand connoting that it is set in the desert. A disruption occurs once a problem causes Max to re-enter his car, since he is later chased by the antagonists. The audience recognise this disruption when his car is blown up and as he is captured and tortured by the antagonistic pack. This connotes their thirst for power because they want to overcome Max. Next, the protagonist tries to fix the problem simultaneously to the time when he fights the pack off and attempts to run away. This represents his desire to be free and his strength. Lastly, a new equilibrium is connected to a generic convention of a setback as he reaches light once again and nearly escapes, however he is caught again and pulled back into the lair.

This extract follows a double plot in the way that there is two narrative strands. The first includes: Max’s constant flashbacks and his relationship with the characters within it and the relationship between the antagonists and the protagonists, connoting that this is open narrative because the plot can easily continue and is open ended and intertwined since the audience are not aware of the issue.  Also, during this extract the third person narrator positions allows true representations if the characters instead of stereotypes or an individual’s view of a person, allowing the audience to understand and maybe sympathise with the characters.

 

Sound:

 

Diegetic sound is used to represent Max's madness. This is connoted through the constant voices in his head connoting that they have a close relationship with him and his stressed mind. Another example is the use of the ambient sound of the Lizard which is ambiguous because it could either connote that he is prone to quiet noises and the point that the setting is lonely and quiet.

 

Non diegetic sound is used to represent the disaster that has caused this. This is connoted through the radio takes that deliver the news connoting that it is important. This is mixed with background sound of constant drums that connote Max's distress and represents his crazy personality. Also, with Mad Max delivering an over voice which is dramatic connoting that it is key for him to introduce his story and tell the audience of his past life.

 

Editing:

 

Editing is used to represent a chase. This is shown through the fast paced shots that help to build up tension and causes the target audience to anticipate whether he will survive it. As Max is the protagonist the audience wants him to win, but this is not the case, connoting that he is not invincible.

Another example of editing is to represent panic. This is connoted when it cuts into his luggage and they fly into his car in a smooth, fast shot. This represents Mad Max's depressing character and his difficulty in preserving himself. Also the fact that a disruption is coming, connoting his magnificent senses because he can predict it.

 

Mise-en-scene:

 

Costume-Max wear boots, jacket, a cotton hood and a carrier to store weapons. His overall look is represented as cheap connoting his lack of money and he is connoted to be an explorer through the use of the carrier. This represents his eagerness to hunt and search possibly for secret or new things.

Positioning-Max is often centred in the middle of the shots. This is shown during the establishing shot, as he is placed in the centre of the frame. This represents his importance and addresses the target audience that he is probably the protagonist and the character that will have the most screening time.

Expression-The protagonist is represented as Mad, hence his name. This is connoted through all of the close-ups as the audience can clearly see that he is not mentally stable, leading to the younger demographic to sympathise largely as they will struggle to recognise his flaws, whereas the older demographic should be wiser and easily recognise the hidden truths.

Setting-It appears to be set in a desert, rocky scenery connoting a hot country representing the increase risks of irritation and it sets an interesting landscape for a chase, because the emptiness connotes the secrecy and lonely surroundings.

Colour-The use of the lighter colours represents the heat. It also connotes the setting and allows the audience to understand that it is daytime or early morning.

 

Audience:

Mad Max: Fury Road seems to be targeted at teenagers, heading towards younger adults. However, the older demographic will clearly be attracted because this is a modern remake of the classic trilogy, this is connoted through the violence and the gore. Following the stereotypical beliefs, this is likely to attract males more than females because they are stereotyped to prefer violence and action, whilst females are stereotyped to prefer romantic genres. Nevertheless, connecting to the Two Step Flow, I think that Tom Hardy will attract females audiences because of his likability and his muscular representation, which highlights that the media does not have full control of what we watch-the audience have a strong involvement. Due to audience segmentation the teen demographic are the most likely to view this movie because they have exposable income representing them as middle class. Also, the upper class are less likely to watch this movie because of their superiority and lack of interest in these kind of plots. Ultimately, the Uses and Gratifications theory could be involved in the way that social solidarity could easily lead friends with similar entertainment preferences will discuss the movie and possibly promote it to others. Also, it would be an easier way for the audiences to diverse away from their everyday routines and immerse themselves within the plot, likely having an opinion about all of the characters.

 

Shots:

 

In this opening scene, shots are used to represent power. This is shown through the use of a high angle shot as the antagonists cut off Max's hair, representing their control in this scene and how they want to take away his rights connoting that something has triggered this relationship. Secondly, a low angle shot is used to show the futuristic engine on the car. This connotes the power of the car emphasising that it is quick and a special object within Max's life.
The establishing shot of the back of Max looking into the background represents guilt. The point that he is not facing the audience connotes that he feels he has done something wrong and that he needs to relax, by looking into the surroundings. As a result, his aggressive behaviour is connoted and the use of his back facing the audience connotes his innocence, as the body language is similar to a child's.

Ideology:

It seems to be clear that Mad Max is based around the collapse of civilisation, and the binary opposite of good vs evil connotes that certain groups of people are power-thirsty, representing their view on inequality.


We think that we will stick to the use of the monologue because it helps to introduce the meaning behind why the world is like how it is and it is perfect in already create a dramatic relationship between the audience and the character speaking. However, we will subvert against the Australian location and the use of weapons clearly because of our lack of budget and the barriers within our exam criteria. Nevertheless, this will not stop us from creating a chase similar that might be similar to the one from this extract as I felt that this was effective because it connote how Max was wanted and it also gave the representation that he was isolated and controlled because he failed to escape and the new equilibrium is him being captured again.