Mad Max: Fury Road is set in a post apocalyptic wasteland in Australia. The protagonist Max (Tom Hardy) is assisting Furiosa (Charlize Theron) as she searches for her homeland alongside her fellow prisoners. In pursuit of them are Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and his cult of road warriors. The film is directed by George Miller and scored by Tom Holkenborg aka Junkie XL.
The scene is one of the many chase scenes in the film. At this point, Furiosa is seeking safe passage through a canyon that is controlled by a gang of savage bikers. She tries to barter a deal but to no avail as Joe and troops are in hot pursuit. They flee as the bikers blow up the canyon to prevent Joe and his troops from passing. They then pursue Furiosa, Max and the others.
The score is pulsating, energetic as guns, trucks, bikes ravage the scene. The audience is aware as the film slowly climaxes with each and every explosion as drums, synthesizers and orchestra fill the scene. It is almost akin to a rock opera as the music is almost synced to the action taking place. For instance, as the bikers fly through dropping bombs on the truck, the drums seems to boom. The scene is very relevant as it shows Max and Furosa working together as they fight off the bikers, handing guns to each other and working as a team. The score become triumphant and inspirational but is more indicative of survival. According to an interview with Junkie XL from Entertainment Weekly, “I knew when I saw the film that we needed to come up with something that is a completely over-the-top rock opera” (para. 5).
Junkie XL’s uses of large drums, descending string quartet motif with a obvious guitar riff is indicative of his collaboration with Hans Zimmer on Man of Steel (2013). It’s dark and menacing but triumphant in the parts that matter. It was also a high-concept action movie with music cut to action and supporting it along the way.
The score is a supporting player of the film. For one thing, there is little to no dialogue for large chunks of the film. The director is in essence relying on action, similar to a silent film. Like a silent film, the music is indicative of the action as it allows the actor’s emotions to resonate with the audience.
The level of emotional involvement is extremely important between music and drama. Without the music to back up, the scene would be a series of explosion. But the music has been to action to create the essence of an opera. The characters resonate far more with the audience as they feel the need for the characters to survive in this harsh environment.
The form of the score reflects the form of the film. It’s rabid, harsh and exciting. It builds up the tempo when it is needed. The visuals and music blend well in a symbiotic partnership that serves the film very well.
The score originality is over-the-top but it is also a large driving force of the film. It raises the stakes well and the film is better off for it. Therefore, without the manic energy of Junkie XL, the film wouldn’t have resonated as it did.
Works Cited
Labrecque, Jeff. "Inside the Madness of the 'Fury Road' Soundtrack." Entertainment Weekly's EW.com. 14 May 2015. Web. 09 Feb. 2016.
IMDb. IMDb.com. Web. 09 Feb. 2016.
Mad Max: Fury Road. Dir. George Miller. Perf. Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron,. Warner Bros, 2015. DVD.
