Mad Max is a Feminist Masterpiece

If you haven’t gone to see Mad Max: Fury Road yet, you should definitely try to catch it this weekend.

On the surface, it’s your typical action flick. But the thing I LOVE about this film is that it depicts its male and female leads as equals. With no romance or damsel-in-distress syndrome. Just equal strength and mutual respect for one another.

Many leading feminist publications have been raving about Mad Max too. And in the wake of the release of the film, the #FeministMadMax meme was born.

And now there’s a Tumblr for it.

My favorite Feminist Mad Max meme has to be this one:

feministmadmax

Why? Because I love that the film doesn’t ONCE show the female characters being raped or taken advantage of. I appreciate this because too often, when rape occurs in movies, it is sexualized. It becomes an excuse to show some leading lady tit and ass. Films hardly ever depict the absolute horror that rape is, and the trauma that results from it. Rape in film should ALWAYS make you feel uncomfortable and angry.

But it doesn’t. Because Hollywood.

I respect that Mad Max: Fury Road didn’t choose this route, and instead focused on how AWESOME and kick-ass these women are, particularly Imperator Furiosa (played by Charlize Theron), who saves the day WITH ONLY ONE ARM. We believe the women’s lives under an evil ruler were brutal without having to be shown. Why else would they make such a desperate attempt to escape? 

And what a BADASS name for a female lead. Imperator Furiosa. BAM! I want to change my name to that immediately.

feministmadmax2

And in the spirit of the film, Tom Hardy also gloriously shot down a reporter who asked a ridiculously sexist question about the story line. How hot is THAT?! (Male feminists give this chick the vapahs).

And you know what I just learned? Director George Miller recruited the Vagina Monologues writer Eve Ensler to speak with the actresses who played the sex slaves. She helped them understand what women who’ve been through war and sexual captivity might be like. Ensler is an expert on violence against women and its effects, and has worked to help end violence against women globally for more than 20 years. I cannot think of a better person to consult on this groundbreaking film!

So go watch it, and enjoy the feminist fury!!!

Can’t get enough of feminist film? Be sure to watch for Suffragette, coming out this October! Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meryl Streep are starring in it. I’m SO IN.