Standing Ovation for Chris Hemsworth at Cannes Premiere of Furiosa
On May 15, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Despite not being in the running for awards, George Miller’s “spinoff” remains one of the most anticipated works at the prestigious event.
According to Deadline, the action-packed blockbuster received a standing ovation lasting 7 minutes and 50 seconds from the audience in the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France.
Lead actress Anya Taylor-Joy embraced the acclaim, beaming with joy as she stood before the audience. Meanwhile, co-star Chris Hemsworth appeared visibly emotional as he accepted the applause.
Director George Miller expressed his gratitude, stating, “We worked diligently on this film and it’s truly rewarding to witness each person’s reaction. Thank you all for welcoming us.”
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a feature film belonging to the action-adventure genre, set in a dystopian future created by George Miller, who also directs and produces. This film is a prequel to the blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road (which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015) and serves as the fifth installment in the Mad Max franchise, which Miller has creatively developed since 1979.
The film centers around the character Furiosa, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who was portrayed by Charlize Theron in the 2015 film. In this origin story, after a world collapse, Furiosa escapes from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of the Biker Horde led by Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth), only to later be handed over to Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme). However, Furiosa does not remain a passive victim.
The filming took place in New South Wales, Australia, starting in June 2022 and wrapping up in October of the same year.
The latest installment of Mad Max is set to premiere on May 24, 2024. Warner Bros. hopes that the film will match (or surpass) the global box office revenue of $380 million from Fury Road. With a budget of $168 million, Furiosa needs to achieve at least double its production costs to break even.
The prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road received high praise during its premiere at Cannes 2024. Photo: Warner Bros.
Elevating the Mad Max Brand to New Heights
At the CinemaCon film screening in Las Vegas in April, Miller announced he would continue making films in the Mad Max universe due to its great appeal.
Since its inception 45 years ago, the Mad Max films, while captivating, have not received any Oscar nominations. It wasn’t until 2015 that Mad Max: Fury Road not only excelled at the box office but also garnered critical acclaim, receiving 10 nominations at the prestigious Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film won 6 Oscars in total.
Nine years since that landmark, the franchise is set to return with a prequel. Writer Pete Hammod from Deadline highlighted that Miller continues to create Max as a character like never before.
The standout character this time is Dementus, portrayed by Hemsworth. Unlike his previous roles in the series, Dementus has depth and a unique storyline. The character embodies a complex villain who balances both cruelty and a Shakespearean flair.
Hammod praised the Australian actor for delivering a superb performance, stating that this may be his best portrayal in his career. The star of Thor illustrates a character shaped by violence and a lack of humanity, making him a compelling figure in a world gone mad.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s vibrant performance is equally impressive. Although she is in the film less than her male counterparts, her acting prowess allows the 1996-born actress to command the screen and showcase a fiercely independent character. Taylor-Joy’s remarkable presence could even rival that of Charlize Theron.
Not only Hemsworth and Taylor-Joy, but the supporting cast also brings their own vibrant colors, contributing to the film’s allure. Characters played by Tom Burke and Alyla Browne (the main antagonist) have also exceeded expectations. The ensemble cast delivers noteworthy performances throughout the film.
Anya Taylor-Joy once again proves herself as a dynamic actress, showcasing her range in a role that requires versatility. Photo: Warner Bros.
Beyond the outstanding performances, Furiosa is poised to be the best film in the Mad Max franchise. If combined with its predecessor from 2015, Miller will have crafted a six-hour epic filled with interconnected and engaging narratives. In fact, Miller and co-writer Nico Lathouris have created a comprehensive source material and screenplay for Furiosa that serves as a prelude to the events of Fury Road.
On the production side, Miller has gathered a talented crew, including Oscar-winning professionals: production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, costume designer Jenny Beavan, makeup/hair department head Lesley Vanderwalt, and sound expert Ben Osmo. Cinematography has been entrusted to Simon Duggan, who contributed to the success of The Great Gatsby (2013), Hacksaw Ridge (2016), and I, Robot (2004). Tom Holkenborg continues to score the film after Fury Road. Meanwhile, action designer Guy Norris and his team are expected to receive additional accolades for their stunt work.
With these expectations, it’s no surprise that film critic Brian Viner of the Daily Mail awarded Furiosa a high rating (5 stars). He noted that the film leaves a lasting impression through its visuals, sound, and the creation of a stunning cinematic experience.
Brian Viner emphasized that it’s not necessary to enjoy high-speed chases or explosive machinery to appreciate the artistry behind the film, which intertwines scenes of vehicular chaos with those of human struggles and powerful character moments. According to Viner, Furiosa stands out for its unique blend of genres, combining elements of western, sci-fi, and Top Gear (the car show, which has won BAFTA and Emmy awards). Meanwhile, the cinematography seems to echo the surreal style of Salvador Dali (1904-1989) – one of the most influential painters of the 20th century known for his surrealism.
In conclusion, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is an exciting prequel that elevates the Mad Max brand to new heights.
The thrilling motorcycle chase scenes in Furiosa mesmerize viewers with captivating visuals and sound design. Photo: Warner Bros.
