Director George Miller’s MAD MAX, with an unknown Mel Gibson in the lead, would probably rate as just another undistinguished exercise in road kill mayhem were it not such a polished, high-octane, adrenalin-laced Australian production about terror on the highway. The overall novelty of this slam-bang import came from the superlative camera-work of cinematographer David Eggby, the highly credible special effects, the super-charged stunt car driving, and George Miller’s competent, no-nonsense helming. Although it isn’t quite as spectacular as its sequel THE ROAD WARRIOR (1981), and was only available in a weirdly-dubbed American-accents version for decades, MAD MAX qualifies as top-notch entertainment for anybody who craves revenge-based actioners. Mel Gibson became a star after this role. He’s cool and charismatic but also shows great skill as an actor – years before he became boxoffice. Even better are the villains. Hugh Keays-Byrne is convincingly sadistic as ‘Toecutter’ the leader of the biker gang that Mad Max goes up against. Tim Burns is enjoyably over-the-top as Johnny Boy and Vince Gil is memorable in his small role as The Nightrider (“I’m a fuel injected suicide machine. I am the rocker, I am the roller, I am the out-of-controller!”). The best performances in the film however are the cars. For its low budget, the stunt work is amazing. Max’s car is a 1973 Ford Falcon GT Coupe with a 300 bhp 351C V8 engine, customized with the front end of a Ford Fairmont and other modifications, but you already knew that!

Admission is $8. Hope to see everyone this weekend at The Tivoli!

The Facebook invite for this event can be found HERE

 https://www.facebook.com/events/825129867582170/

The Tivoli is located at 6350 Delmar in The Loop. Visit Landmark’s The Tivoli’s website HERE

 http://www.landmarktheatres.com/market/st.louis/tivolitheatre.htm

Here’s the Reel Late at the Tivoli Midnight schedule for the rest of May:

May 15-16           WATERSHIP DOWN

May 22-23           THE THING