George Miller's Impressive Car Chases in Mad Max Films and Stunt Injuries on Set

 

George Miller is known for crafting impressive car chases in his films, particularly in the "Mad Max" franchise. The climax of "Mad Max 2" or "The Road Warrior" is considered one of his crowning achievements. The scene involves Max driving a decoy tanker truck to lead Lord Humungus' raiders away from settlers escaping with the real gasoline. The smaller vehicles of the raiders chase the tanker like a wolf pack on the trail of a buffalo, causing spectacular crashes. The danger of these crashes was not staged, and stuntman Guy Norris broke his femur during one of the scenes. Luckily, Miller, who had worked as an emergency room doctor before becoming a filmmaker, tended to Norris' leg while they waited for an ambulance.

Despite the injury, the shot made it into the final cut, and Norris went on to work with Miller on other films, including "Mad Max: Fury Road," where he returned as a stunt coordinator. In the latest "Mad Max" film, "Furiosa," Norris served as Miller's 2nd unit director. Miller's expertise in emergency medicine may have prepared him for the high-pressure demands of filmmaking, including coordinating dangerous stunts like car chases. Miller and Norris's collaborations have resulted in some of the most impressive and memorable action scenes in film history.