Plot Structure: Film Review - Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Fig.1 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) Movie Poster

George Miller's Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) is a master piece in an age where Hollywood is receiving constant criticism for it's lack of fresh film ideas. This reboot/sequel may not have the most complex story, but it is one of the most thrilling and exhilarating films that you are ever likely to watch. Through Miller's incredible use of shots, and primary use of practical effects, it will keep your blood pumping throughout. 

Act 1 -Beginning:

The film takes no time to get right into the action. After a brief piece of dialogue from our main protagonist of Max Rockatansky (Played by Tom Hardy), we find the hero trying to escape the clutches of the Wasteland's inhabitants. Just from the very early scenes of the film, we get a clear understanding of the world and how it is run. It is clear that Max is broken by past, and so makes him vulnerable - This makes his capture inevitable. At this point, he is held prisoner by War Boys (Or Half-Lives) and their leader - Immortan Joe.

Fig.2 Opening shot

Act 2 - Middle:

The film then switches it's attention to who some would consider as the main character, despite the film title, in Imperator Furiosa (Played by Charlize Theron). It would appear that she is under Immortan Joe's command, as she must drive the war rig to Gas Town. However, on this journey, she diverts the Rig and the War Boys' cars. It is clear that she is not under Joe's control and has her own agenda. When Joe and the Citadel realise this, they get in their incredible cars. Each and every vehicle is designed so imaginatively. They are so unique and that is one of the many aspects that make both this film and franchise so remarkable. This marks the beginning of the main "chase" of the film. 

We then learn that Max is being used as a blood source as one of the War Boys, and so must be attached to the front of the car during the chase after Furiosa and the War Rig. In this sequence, we as an audience are treated to stop mayhem. With an amount of explosions that Michael Bay would be proud of, it takes nothing away from the brilliance in every shot and detail. Every individual frame of these scenes are a piece of art in their own right. It is such a pulse raising thing to watch. The soundtrack gets louder, the cars gets faster and more aggressive, and yet you dare not miss a moment of it. Perhaps the most exciting moments is when they're driving through a storm, that manages to grab the cars with ease and toss them through the air, while Max is trying to set himself free and stay alive. It is scenes like this that make the film so memorable and have such a lasting impact. 

Fig.3 Immortan Joe's Wives

When the storm settles, Max recovers and is forced to carry himself and the War Boy that he is supplying blood for - Nux (Played by Nicholas Hoult) to the War Rig, that has stopped in the distance. He intends to confront Furiosa and be free of Nux, although his plans appear to change when he finds a group of women using water and trying to get out of chains themselves. Furiosa is forced to set Max free due to him holding a gun to them. When she discovers Max also wants to take the War Rig, she is forced to stop him. When Nux awakes after being concussed from the storm, he assists Max, and helps him take the War Rig. Unfortunately for him, Furiosa has managed to create a sequence that must be triggered to drive it, and only she knows it, therefore forcing Max to allow Furiosa and the women into the Rig. Furiosa explains to Max that the women are Immortan Joe's Wives, and she is freeing from his clutches and is taking them to "The Green Place" where they can live in complete freedom. Max learns to understand their goal, despite his concerns of the Green place's existence. 

The pair continue to drive the Rig away from Immortan Joe and his followers in search of the Green Place and the Vuvalini of Many Mothers, who can help them. As the film progresses, they get more and more attention from the gangs that live in the Wasteland, which results in them trying to escape from the Warlords. In another equally as breathtaking scene of destruction of madness, one of the wives dies - Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's character called "Splendid". Sadly, she was heavily pregnant, consequently meaning the death of both her child and Immortan Joe's. This makes him even more aggressive, even more so when he discovers that it was a boy. It is apparent that Max and Furiosa must reach their destination. They continue to face many obstacles and challenges, but manage to overcome them all with little consequence. Furiosa stops the Rig in a place that appears familiar. They see a woman calling for help in the distance. Max believes that it's a trap, but this doesn't stop her from approaching the woman. As several motorbikes drive towards her, we find out that it's the Many Mothers. Furiosa is delighted. She knows the Green Place is near and they can help them find it. Her emotions change completely when they explain that they must have already past it - and they did. Furiosa is left heart broken, as it would seem they can not attain freedom.

Furiosa and the wives decide to go with Mothers on the motorbikes and to travel the Wasteland, leaving Max to live his life. Max is still haunted by his past and so has a change of heart. He drives after them, and tells them the best course of action would be to return to the Citadel. He explains that there's plenty of Water, greenery and is in no one's control due to Immortan Joe and the War Lords chasing after them. They agree to his plan, and so get back in the war rig and head towards the Citadel. One of the war boys spots them driving back, and so informs Joe of this, resulting in one more brilliant chase. This sequence appears to be a much harder task for them, due to the increased numbers of people following them. They manage to capture one of the wives and so are left having to save her, as well as trying to return to the Citadel first. Furiosa manages to throw herself onto Joe's car and defeats him in a brilliantly grotesque manner, however this comes at a cost as she get severely injured and is close to death. Nux, who is now driving war rig, sacrifices himself in order to save them. In doing so, he kills the warlords and the half-lives.  

Fig. 4 Furiosa (Played by Charlize Theron) and Max (Played by Tom Hardy)

Act 3 - End:

Max is left to try and save Furiosa from death, and uses his own blood to save her. They return to the Citadel, but the remainder of the injured War boys and young half-lives are left scratching their heads, as Max stops the car that previously belonged to Joe, he climbs on the bonnet and shows them Joe's body. The inhabitants of the Citadel rejoice as the leader who left them in the dirt is now gone and they can live a better life. Furiosa recovers and is shown helping people into the higher, and better areas, of the Citadel. The camera then cuts to Max walking through a crowd a people, therefore meaning that he intends to continue to roam the Wasteland alone.

Due to this ending it is left fairly open. Where will he go? What does he intend to do? Will we see Furiosa on screen again? Why didn't he stay with them? Does he wants to put his past behind him?

In conclusion, Mad Max: Fury Road demonstrates the effectiveness of practical effects and mainly female cast. This film passes the Bechdel test and acts as a pioneer for many upcoming action films. It highlights the strength and connection between a group of female characters, who do not need a man to survive.  At a run time of 2 hours, the film gets straight to the action and closes it quickly too. Act 2 dominates the length of this film, but due to it's sheer brilliance it quite rightly should do.

Apologies for any spoilers.

Illustration List:
Fig.1 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) Movie Poster - http://cdn3-www.comingsoon.net/assets/uploads/gallery/mad-max-fury-road-1406144100/11110866_658246694280855_1682386295316885693_o.jpg - (Accessed 08/10/2015)

Fig.2 Opening shot - https://dariopecarov.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/d632b211_bb69cb62_madpietfurryroad5.jpeg - (Accessed 08/10/2015)

Fig.3 Immortan Joe's Wives - http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/roadwarrior/images/6/6a/Wives.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150522230054 - (Accessed 08/10/2015)

Fig. 4 Furiosa (Played by Charlize Theron) and Max (Played by Tom Hardy) - http://blogs-images.forbes.com/erikkain/files/2015/05/Max-and-Furiosa.png - (Accessed 08/10/2015)

The Hero's Journey: Archetypes - Seven (1995)

Fig. 1 Seven (1995) Movie Poster

 

Seven (1995) is David Fincher's second film, after Alien 3 (1992) . At the age of just 29, he managed to create one of Hollywood's most chilling and frightening crime thrillers. As a series of murders take place in accordance to the 7 deadly sins (Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath and Sloth), it is up to Detective David Mills (Played by Brad Pitt) and Detective Lt. William Somerset (Played by Morgan Freeman) to find the killer.

 

The identity of our main hero could be argued. Is it David Mills - The new, and young, recruit who is eager to adapt to the new city and it's challenges? Or is it William Somerset - Full of experience and is close to retiring? At first, Somerset is to reluctant to take Mills into his ranks, and avoids letting him in on all the details of the case, and in some instances makes him look very inexperienced. It is because of this that Somerset could be regarded as the shadow character. The reason for this is that as the plot progresses and he learns more about Mills and his life, he finally treats him with respect, and in doing so growing a strong relationship with him. 

 

Fig.2 David Mills (Played by Brad Pitt)

 

One of the people who helped Somerset to show some appreciation towards to Mills is Mills' wife, Tracy Mills (Played by Gwyneth Paltrow). She helps Mills with his problems, both at his work and with his relationship with Somerset. It is only when the three have a dinner together when they start to bond and continue with the case in a more productive manner. Through Tracy Mills' contribution, she allows them to work together properly and it makes them put their troubles/differences behind them. She also provides more realism to the film, as she creates the more light hearted moments, as the three characters discuss the new living situation of that David and Tracy share. 

 

When they're working, Somerset uses his wisdom and experience to help Mills. He acts as his guardian. He gives him a greater knowledge of society, the people and how the police work in the city. While Mills is working in correspondence with new ideas and techniques, Somerset takes it back to the basics of going to the library, and doing research the old fashioned way.

 

Fig.3 Detective Lt. William Somerset (Played by Morgan Freeman)

 

Like any Murder mystery film, or TV show for that matter, the true identity of the killer is unknown. However, unlike most  of other films of the genre, we only fully see the killer for the first time 90 minutes in, which is remarkable considering the film's run time is 128 minutes. John Doe (Played by Kevin Spacey) is a calm, quiet and emotionless character, and that is what makes him so terrifying and such a brilliant villain. He is convinced that his actions will stand the length of time. He plans out every small detail to incredible lengths - removing his finger prints on a regular basis, for example. What makes Kevin Spacey's performance so great is that he has so little screen time in comparison to the other main characters, but it is he who creates the biggest impact. He steals every scene that he is in. It is clear that his plan is working, and so this contributes to one of the most shocking film endings ever to hit the screen.

 

Fig. 4 John Doe (Played by Kevin Spacey)

 

The cast of Seven is relatively small. With only 4 key characters, and the rest only playing minor roles, the common film archetypes are shared between the main 4. This demonstrates how films do not need a big cast of characters to be a hit. Through it's dramatic ending, the film is a very rare example where the Villain gets the last laugh.

 

Illustration List:

Fig. 1 Seven (1995) Movie Poster - http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5233347fe4b00c95cda9e5d6/t/5424ab07e4b0b3329c3db1e6/1411689224552/ - (Accessed 07/10/2015)

 

Fig.2 David Mills (Played by Brad Pitt) - https://thesouloftheplot.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/whatsinthebooox_se7en.jpg - (Accessed 07/10/2015)

 

Fig.3 Detective Lt. William Somerset (Played by Morgan Freeman) - http://www.thelistlove.com/10-facts-you-dont-know-about-seven/8-57/ - (Accessed 07/10/2015)

 

Fig. 4 John Doe (Played by Kevin Spacey) - http://i1.tietuku.com/7ca88a8503699922s.jpg - (Accessed 07/10/2015)

 



The Hero's Journey: Fight Club (1999)

Fig. 1 Fight Club (1999) Movie poster

For this "The Hero's Journey" task, I thought I'd try to identify the steps in one of my favourite films: David Fincher's Fight Club (1999). The film itself is quite complex and confusing, and so it doesn't, necessarily, have a main hero character, like Marty McFly in Back to the Future (1985). Also, the way it critique's modern day culture (or at least the culture in the late 90s), this film could be beneficial and referred to when writing my postmodernism essay, through the way it mocks the way we live, what we buy and what we eat.

The way I'll show these steps is by writing out the plot in quite some depth and then taking parts out of what I have wrote and then putting the steps in a list

SPOILERS AHEAD!

For the majority of the film, Edward Norton's character does not have a name that we know of. He uses different names when going to AA meetings of different kinds. At this stage, we refer to Edward Norton's character as "The Narrator", as we don't know his real name. He doesn't have much interaction with any character in particular. However, in the early stages of the film, we meet Marla Singer (Played by Helena Bonham Carter). At this point in the film, there isn't any clear sign of affection towards her, and is in fact the opposite. Despite this, her appearances at the AA meetings aggravate him and so she is controlling his actions to some degree. 

Fig.2 "The Narrator" played by Edward Norton -The "Hero"

While on a plan journey, he meets Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt). There are some similarities between both characters, but Tyler appears to be a lot more confident in his actions. When "The Narrator" is returning home to his apartment, it has been burned down. He then decides to ring Tyler in a phone booth, but there is no answer, so he hangs up the phone. Suddenly, the phone starts ringing, he answers and it's Tyler - They arrange to meet up. During this meeting, "The Narrator" is reluctant to ask if he could stay at Tyler's place. It is only when Tyler forces him to ask does he then ask the question. When they leave the bar, Tyler wants him to get into a fight, which he eventually does. This leads to a gathering of people watching them. As they continue to have these fights, the pair organise a fight club underneath a bar, where people can fight each other while following their rules.

Fig.3 Tyler Durden (Played by Brad Pitt)

Due to the success of the Fight club, it develops into organised crime, known as Project Mayhem. The members of this project have to complete many difficult and controversial tasks, such as destroying sculptures, having fights with random people and breaking into shops. Tyler is clearly in control, and "The Narrator" remains confused, and wants answers. Tyler then appears to go missing, leaving him in control of the whole operation. The members of this project are still under the influence of Tyler, as they don't listen to him in the same way. 

Fig.4 Marla Singer played by Helena Bonham Carter - The "Goddess"

As "The Narrator" wants his questions answered he goes off in search for Tyler, but he realises that Tyler's influence is wider than he thought, as there appears to be similar fight clubs all over the country. He then meets this man, who claims that he has been Tyler Durden all along, and so meaning Brad Pitt's character didn't exist. He refuses to believe the man, and so rings Marla, asking her what his name is. She is confused before shouting out and repeating his name of Tyler Durden. He realises he needs to stop Project Mayhem as they intend to destroy several buildings in the city. He finds one of the sets of bombs in a building, then suddenly Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) appears in front of him. He tries to irritate him and wants him to stop trying to stop what he put together, but does still assist him, to some level, when defusing the bomb. The two have a fight. The CCTV cameras show us that when he fights Tyler, he is just fighting himself. Tyler holds a gun to him. He then has a moment to think and realises that the gun is actually in his hand. He manages to kill Tyler by shooting into his mouth. He now realises who he really is, and so is both the man he thought he was an Tyler Durden. Marla is taken to him by members of Project Mayhem. He reassures Marla that he is fine, and that she just met him at a very strange time in his life. 

The Hero's Journey Steps:

The Call to Adventure: When "The Narrator" is returning home to his apartment, it has been burned down. He then decides to ring Tyler in a phone booth, but there is no answer, so he hangs up the phone. Suddenly, the phone starts ringing, he answers and it's Tyler - They arrange to meet up

The Refusal of the Call:  "The Narrator" is reluctant to ask if he could stay at Tyler's place. It is only when Tyler forces him to ask does he then ask the question.

Supernatural Aid: While on a plan journey, he meets Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt). There are some similarities between both characters, but Tyler appears to be a lot more confident in his actions.

Crossing the Threshold: When they leave the bar, Tyler wants him to get into a fight, which he eventually does. This leads to a gathering of people watching them.

The Belly of the Whale: As they continue to have these fights, the pair organise a fight club underneath a bar, where people can fight each other while following their rules.

Road of Trials: Due to the success of the Fight club, it develops into organised crime, known as Project Mayhem. 

Meeting the Goddess: However, in the early stages of the film, we meet Marla Singer (Played by Helena Bonham Carter).

Woman as Temptress: her appearances at the AA meetings aggravate him and so she is controlling his actions to some degree.

Atonement of Father:  Tyler then appears to go missing, leaving him in control of the whole operation. The members of this project are still under the influence of Tyler, as they don't listen to him in the same way.

Apotheosis (God-like): Tyler is clearly in control, and "The Narrator" remains confused, and wants answers.

The Ultimate Boon: He then meets this man, who claims that he has been Tyler Durden all along, and so meaning Brad Pitt's character didn't exist

Refusal of Return: He refuses to believe the man, and so rings Marla, asking her what his name is. She is confused before shouting out and repeating his name of Tyler Durden. 

Magic Flight: He realises he needs to stop Project Mayhem as they intend to destroy several buildings in the city. He finds one of the sets of bombs in a building, then suddenly Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) appears in front of him.

Rescue from Without: He tries to irritate him and wants him to stop trying to stop what he put together, but does still assist him, to some level, when defusing the bomb.

Crossing the Return Threshold: Tyler holds a gun to him. He then has a moment to think and realises that the gun is actually in his hand. He manages to kill Tyler by shooting into his mouth.

Master of Two Worlds: He now realises who he really is, and so is both the man he thought he was an Tyler Durden

Freedom to Live: He reassures Marla that he is fine, and that she just met him at a very strange time in his life. 

Illustration List:

Fig. 1 Fight Club (1999) Movie poster - http://i.jeded.com/i/fight-club.25541.jpg - (Accessed 24/09/2015)

Fig.2 "The Narrator" played by Edward Norton -The "Hero" - http://www.magiclanternfilmsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/fight-club_1999-3-1920x1200_scroller.jpg - (Accessed 24/09/2015)

Fig.3 Tyler Durden (Played by Brad Pitt) - http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/files/2014/10/FightClubPitt.jpg - (Accessed 24/09/2015)

Fig.4 Marla Singer played by Helena Bonham Carter - The "Goddess" - http://rob.conery.io/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/marla2.png - (Accessed 24/09/2015)