Mad Max 2 (released as The Road Warrior in the United States) is a 1981 Australian post-apocalyptic dystopian action film directed by George Miller, who co-wrote it with Terry Hayes and Brian Hannant. It is the second installment in the Mad Max franchise. The film stars Mel Gibson reprising his role as “Mad Max” Rockatansky and follows a hardened man who helps a community of settlers to defend themselves against a roving band of marauders.
Despite the success of the first Mad Max (1979), the sequel had a relatively modest budget of around $4 million AUD. The production team had to rely heavily on resourcefulness and ingenuity. Many of the vehicles and props were constructed from scrap materials, and some were re-used or modified from the first film.
The movie’s high-octane action was achieved with real stunts performed by an exceptional stunt team. The film’s director, George Miller, worked closely with stunt coordinator Max Aspin to ensure the high-speed chases and crashes felt authentic. Many stunts were incredibly dangerous by today’s standards. One particularly infamous stunt involved a motorcycle rider being launched into the air, flipping end over end. The stuntman, Guy Norris, narrowly escaped serious injury and completed the stunt in one take.
The film was shot in the barren deserts of Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. Cast and crew had to endure harsh weather, including sweltering heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night. The isolation of the location added to the production's raw and gritty feel but also presented logistical challenges.
The post-apocalyptic look of Mad Max 2 was groundbreaking and influential. Costume designer Norma Moriceau created the iconic outfits, including Max’s leather jacket and the elaborate, punk-inspired gear worn by the marauders. Much of the wardrobe was cobbled together from found items, contributing to the world’s scrappy, scavenged aesthetic.
Max’s Pursuit Special, the black Ford Falcon XB GT known as the “Interceptor,” became an icon of the series. The car was modified from the first film and further altered to reflect the deteriorated world of the sequel. Its destruction in the film was a major moment, but production built several versions for different shots.
At one point during filming, the local police had to be involved to regulate the area due to curious onlookers and the dangerous nature of the stunt scenes. Additionally, the rugged terrain caused frequent mechanical issues with the vehicles.
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