Is Mad Max considered Sci-Fi?

Walter Grant5 said:By the way, can you even have a dystopian movie that isn't Sci-Fi? I'm drawing a total blank here.

Has nobody thought of the absolute classic Mad Max?

Can't really recall much about Mad Max since it's been like 6 years since I last saw it (I know, 🤦), but I wouldn't say it isn't SF 🤷

Look, Mad Max is straight-up sci-fi.

What do I know, maybe Princess Mononoke fits? It’s not really sci-fi, just feels kinda dystopian. 🤷

Matthew Anderson4 said:Can't really recall much about Mad Max since it's been like 6 years since I last saw it (I know, 🤦), but I wouldn't say it isn't SF 🤷

How does someone on a film forum not remember Mad Max? 🤔

It's a cult classic. Seriously, it's like saying you don't remember Taxi Driver.

Walter Grant5 said:Look, Mad Max is straight-up sci-fi.

What do I know, maybe Princess Mononoke fits? It’s not really sci-fi, just feels kinda dystopian. 🤷

🤦

Give me a break. What "SF elements" are we even talking about here? Mad Max has absolutely nothing to do with SF.

rustywalker42 said:How does someone on a film forum not remember Mad Max? 🤔

It's a cult classic. Seriously, it's like saying you don't remember Taxi Driver.

🤦

Give me a break. What "SF elements" are we even talking about here? Mad Max has absolutely nothing to do with SF.

Just kill me now.

rustywalker42 said:How does someone on a film forum not remember Mad Max? 🤔

It's a cult classic. Seriously, it's like saying you don't remember Taxi Driver.

🤦

Give me a break. What "SF elements" are we even talking about here? Mad Max has absolutely nothing to do with SF.

Wait, aren't post-apocalyptic films considered a subgenre of sci-fi? ☕

Matthew Anderson4 said:Just kill me now.

🙄

Roger Allen3 said:Wait, aren't post-apocalyptic films considered a subgenre of sci-fi? ☕

I... Noir. Just noir. It’s a crime subgenre, so what exactly are you trying to say? Out of the Past Is it a crime thriller or what? Noir? Really? Just one word? You trying to be deep or just lazy? So, we're talking about this film? Really?

Walter Grant5 said:rustywalker42, my bad. I messed up. Mad Max It’s pure SF. I mean, the setting being in the future is basically the genre's DNA, isn't it? But you brought it up in the context of a dystopian film—which is exactly what it is. That's a solid point.

What kind of sci-fi elements are actually in there? Mad Max So, according to your logic, a drama set in 2014 is somehow sci-fi?

So, Beaver mentioned a movie that’s dystopian but isn't actually sci-fi (haven't seen it, by the way). I noticed people online bringing up... Quote: Blue Velvet Feels like a dystopian flick. Definitely not SF.

Quote: Blue Velvet Dystopian? In what way?

rustywalker42 said:🙄

I... Noir. Just noir. It’s a crime subgenre, so what exactly are you trying to say? Out of the Past Is it a crime thriller or what? Noir? Really? Just one word? You trying to be deep or just lazy? So, we're talking about this film? Really?

What kind of sci-fi elements are actually in there? Mad Max So, according to your logic, a drama set in 2014 is somehow sci-fi?

So, Beaver mentioned a movie that’s dystopian but isn't actually sci-fi (haven't seen it, by the way). I noticed people online bringing up... Quote: Blue Velvet Feels like a dystopian flick. Definitely not SF.

Quote: Blue Velvet Dystopian? In what way?

There’s no "my logic" here. Mad Max is set in the future—that alone makes it sci-fi. What do you even think defines the genre? Just high-tech crap and spaceships?

But whatever, if you don't trust me, just check the web. I'm not saying Wikipedia is gospel, but it definitely shuts down that "according to your logic" line. No, this isn't my personal rulebook. A future setting is science fiction. 2014? If it were 2114, filled with wasteland scavengers, truckers, and bikers, I guess you'd claim that isn't sci-fi either. Just some drama set in 2114.

I brought up Blue Velvet because it's a dystopian film. I mentioned it because there might be something worth debating there. But clearly, nothing here is worth discussing except trolling another user with random interjections like "oh, and I noticed they mentioned Christ was Buddhist 🙂"...

Who knows why? Maybe there's a critique of social segregation or how the underworld develops. I'm just not sure if it's actually predictive. Or maybe it's already happening right now.

Look, I read on Wikipedia that the movie is classified as dystopian. I'm not saying it's a fact just because it's on Wikipedia, just that it's an interesting point to hash out.

rustywalker42 said:🙄

I... Noir. Just noir. It’s a crime subgenre, so what exactly are you trying to say? Out of the Past Is it a crime thriller or what? Noir? Really? Just one word? You trying to be deep or just lazy? So, we're talking about this film? Really?

What kind of sci-fi elements are actually in there? Mad Max So, according to your logic, a drama set in 2014 is somehow sci-fi?

So, Beaver mentioned a movie that’s dystopian but isn't actually sci-fi (haven't seen it, by the way). I noticed people online bringing up... Quote: Blue Velvet Feels like a dystopian flick. Definitely not SF.

Quote: Blue Velvet Dystopian? In what way?

Would you call Out of the Past a movie or a noir? If you label it as a noir, does that mean it isn't a movie?

I honestly think it’s not quite sci-fi, but more like a subgenre of sci-fi. 😕 And bold that too. For goodness' sake!

Jerry Martinez50 said:Mad Max is definitely a sci-fi film.

No, it isn't. Would you actually call that movie sci-fi if you were talking to someone who’s never even seen it? And if you did, what kind of reaction do you think they'd have once the credits actually roll?

Walter Grant5 said:There’s no "my logic" here. Mad Max is set in the future—that alone makes it sci-fi. What do you even think defines the genre? Just high-tech crap and spaceships?

But whatever, if you don't trust me, just check the web. I'm not saying Wikipedia is gospel, but it definitely shuts down that "according to your logic" line. No, this isn't my personal rulebook. A future setting is science fiction. 2014? If it were 2114, filled with wasteland scavengers, truckers, and bikers, I guess you'd claim that isn't sci-fi either. Just some drama set in 2114.

I brought up Blue Velvet because it's a dystopian film. I mentioned it because there might be something worth debating there. But clearly, nothing here is worth discussing except trolling another user with random interjections like "oh, and I noticed they mentioned Christ was Buddhist 🙂"...

Who knows why? Maybe there's a critique of social segregation or how the underworld develops. I'm just not sure if it's actually predictive. Or maybe it's already happening right now.

Look, I read on Wikipedia that the movie is classified as dystopian. I'm not saying it's a fact just because it's on Wikipedia, just that it's an interesting point to hash out.

In principle? Yeah. It’s all built on high-end tech we just don't have access to yet.

Look, if you don't want to take my word for it, fine. Believe whatever you want. Online? Seriously?I'm not saying that... Wikipedia. Some ultimate proof that actually shuts down that "according to your logic" argument? No. That’s not how my logic works.

And the Americans say:

Mad Max is an American cult classic from 1979. Dystopian action films? Really? Who even watches these anymore? Mad Max was directed by George Miller and written by Miller and Byron Kennedy.

Mad Max. That's the one. Pure adrenaline on celluloid. You ever seen anything like it? Just raw, unbridled chaos. It’s basically a high-octane fever dream set in an American wasteland. Total madness.

So, what now?

So, here's the thing about predicting the future... Sci-fi.2014? Please. If this were actually 2114, we’d be looking at nothing but wasteland scavengers, desert truckers, and... what else? Bikers? Really?So, you'd probably tell me it isn't even SF either? Please. It’s a drama set in 2114.

Answer me this. Was that drama filmed in 2014 in SF?

Matthew Anderson4 Quote: Blue Velvet I mentioned it because of that dystopian movie. Thought it might be worth a debate to see if the comparison actually holds water. But apparently, there’s nothing worth discussing here besides... Trolled. Another forum user sliding in with comments like...Wait, did I just catch that? Someone actually mentioned Christ was a Buddhist? Seriously? 🙂''...

I’m not trolling. If you think I am, that’s on you. I'm just defending my position. And if standing my ground counts as trolling? Then fine. I'm done with this thread.

Who knows? Maybe there's some commentary on social segregation or the rise of an underworld happening there. I just can't tell if it's a prediction or if we're already living in it.

"Segregation"? I don't recall a single dystopian element in Blue Velvet.

Roger Allen3 said:Would you call Out of the Past a movie or a noir? If you label it as a noir, does that mean it isn't a movie?

I honestly think it’s not quite sci-fi, but more like a subgenre of sci-fi. 😕 And bold that too. For goodness' sake!

And you, being a moderator, just love a good troll, don't you? Seriously, which part of my quote was confusing? In your eyes, is Out of the Past a crime thriller or a noir film?

I mean, it's not sci-fi, it's a subgenre of sci-fi 😕 and they even bolded it. For crying out loud.

I didn't say it was a sci-fi subgenre; you did. I said Mad Max isn't sci-fi and I'm sticking to that.

@rustywalker42
I see where you're coming from, I really do. But tell me, have you actually sat down and watched Letters of a Dead Man? Does that even count as sci-fi in your book?

rustywalker42 said:No, it isn't. Would you actually call that movie sci-fi if you were talking to someone who’s never even seen it? And if you did, what kind of reaction do you think they'd have once the credits actually roll?

In principle? Yeah. It’s all built on high-end tech we just don't have access to yet.

Look, if you don't want to take my word for it, fine. Believe whatever you want. Online? Seriously?I'm not saying that... Wikipedia. Some ultimate proof that actually shuts down that "according to your logic" argument? No. That’s not how my logic works.

And the Americans say:

Mad Max is an American cult classic from 1979. Dystopian action films? Really? Who even watches these anymore? Mad Max was directed by George Miller and written by Miller and Byron Kennedy.

Mad Max. That's the one. Pure adrenaline on celluloid. You ever seen anything like it? Just raw, unbridled chaos. It’s basically a high-octane fever dream set in an American wasteland. Total madness.

So, what now?

So, here's the thing about predicting the future... Sci-fi.2014? Please. If this were actually 2114, we’d be looking at nothing but wasteland scavengers, desert truckers, and... what else? Bikers? Really?So, you'd probably tell me it isn't even SF either? Please. It’s a drama set in 2114.

Answer me this. Was that drama filmed in 2014 in SF?

Matthew Anderson4 Quote: Blue Velvet I mentioned it because of that dystopian movie. Thought it might be worth a debate to see if the comparison actually holds water. But apparently, there’s nothing worth discussing here besides... Trolled. Another forum user sliding in with comments like...Wait, did I just catch that? Someone actually mentioned Christ was a Buddhist? Seriously? 🙂''...

I’m not trolling. If you think I am, that’s on you. I'm just defending my position. And if standing my ground counts as trolling? Then fine. I'm done with this thread.

Who knows? Maybe there's some commentary on social segregation or the rise of an underworld happening there. I just can't tell if it's a prediction or if we're already living in it.

"Segregation"? I don't recall a single dystopian element in Blue Velvet.

And you, being a moderator, just love a good troll, don't you? Seriously, which part of my quote was confusing? In your eyes, is Out of the Past a crime thriller or a noir film?

I mean, it's not sci-fi, it's a subgenre of sci-fi 😕 and they even bolded it. For crying out loud.

I didn't say it was a sci-fi subgenre; you did. I said Mad Max isn't sci-fi and I'm sticking to that.

It’s both! Honestly, do you think I’m a moderator or a human being? 🙂

What kind of reaction do you think someone would have after watching this movie?

And what do you think their reaction would be if I told them it's actually a dystopian film?😁

In principle, yes. It’s built on advanced technology—stuff we just don't have today.

Not necessarily.
Science fiction is all about exploring how scientific and technological leaps impact society and individuals. It predicts where humanity is headed or even imagines entirely new phenomena and tech. Plus, sci-fi sometimes dives into alternative history—those "what if" scenarios.
Analogy:
Mad Max examines the impact of scientific and technological progress on people and society.

Then again, genre debates are an old story. It's never easy to pin down exactly what belongs where, whether we're talking about books, movies, music... basically any form of art.

In Mad Max, you won't find any cutting-edge technology (at least, I didn't catch any 🤷), nor will you see high-tech scanners, advanced computers, or futuristic weaponry; if anything, the whole thing leans heavily on vintage muscle cars—which, let’s be honest, guzzle fuel like they have a massive leak in the tank, making every drop of gas worth its weight in gold 🙄. They drive these rugged, custom-built rigs with what feel like ancient, heavy-duty engines and rely on primitive tools like hunting shotguns, crossbows, and the occasional old-school revolver. It paints a picture of a world crawling out from the ashes of an apocalyptic war, where survival means scavenging whatever scraps are left from the ruins of the old world, basically living off the leftovers of a fallen civilization. In fact, Mad Max served as a major inspiration for the legendary Fallout series (anyone who has actually played it knows just how brilliant that franchise is, though Fallout definitely offers a much more intricate narrative than Mad Max does) 👍

OT: I've got a bad feeling about this 🤷

Nicholas Chavez70 said:In Mad Max, you won't find any cutting-edge technology (at least, I didn't catch any 🤷), nor will you see high-tech scanners, advanced computers, or futuristic weaponry; if anything, the whole thing leans heavily on vintage muscle cars—which, let’s be honest, guzzle fuel like they have a massive leak in the tank, making every drop of gas worth its weight in gold 🙄. They drive these rugged, custom-built rigs with what feel like ancient, heavy-duty engines and rely on primitive tools like hunting shotguns, crossbows, and the occasional old-school revolver. It paints a picture of a world crawling out from the ashes of an apocalyptic war, where survival means scavenging whatever scraps are left from the ruins of the old world, basically living off the leftovers of a fallen civilization. In fact, Mad Max served as a major inspiration for the legendary Fallout series (anyone who has actually played it knows just how brilliant that franchise is, though Fallout definitely offers a much more intricate narrative than Mad Max does) 👍

And that's the direct result of a civilization built entirely on oil. And what does oil represent? Progress.

Mad Max is a sci-fi film—it doesn't matter how you look at it, since the setting is fundamentally set in the future.

Whether people are pointing fingers at digital screens or scavenging for fuel in some desolate wasteland, we're talking about the future in both scenarios—more or less plausible or not, it’s irrelevant.

Personally, I’d much rather be part of some gritty outlaw gang rocking a mohawk than sitting behind a computer terminal "hacking" away, but hey, what can you do? Predictions vary.

😕

Merry Christmas 🙂

Mad Max
R 88 min - Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Nicholas Chavez70 said:In Mad Max, you won't find any cutting-edge technology (at least, I didn't catch any 🤷), nor will you see high-tech scanners, advanced computers, or futuristic weaponry; if anything, the whole thing leans heavily on vintage muscle cars—which, let’s be honest, guzzle fuel like they have a massive leak in the tank, making every drop of gas worth its weight in gold 🙄. They drive these rugged, custom-built rigs with what feel like ancient, heavy-duty engines and rely on primitive tools like hunting shotguns, crossbows, and the occasional old-school revolver. It paints a picture of a world crawling out from the ashes of an apocalyptic war, where survival means scavenging whatever scraps are left from the ruins of the old world, basically living off the leftovers of a fallen civilization. In fact, Mad Max served as a major inspiration for the legendary Fallout series (anyone who has actually played it knows just how brilliant that franchise is, though Fallout definitely offers a much more intricate narrative than Mad Max does) 👍

That's where the debate should actually happen.🙂