Though this exchange is wordless, it hints at a number of possible meanings. One interpretation is that of a perverted state of arousal, the inflicting pain on a helpless individual is something that Wes gains pleasure from, such is the intensity of his look. Another possible interpretation of it is that the young man is a prisoner, and the look is an implied threat of similar consequences should he try to escape. A third interpretation is that the young man is an understudy of Wes, and is being made, either through force or ruthless example, to be more like his animalistic big brother.

The moment is brief, but it hints at a more complex relationship between characters, and shows that everyone has layers beyond what is seen in typical action movies.

The responses of the two men observing this scene demonstrates their ability to function as human beings. The Gyrocaptain still retains his humanity, showing shock and revulsion at the brutality he has just witnessed, however Max is completely devoid of emotion, a shell of a human being. This is further demonstrated in Max’s interaction with the dying man at the crash site:

Dying man: “Thank you.”

Max: “Save it. I’m just here for the gasoline.”

To the dying man, Max’s actions seem heroic, however they are merely steps in Max’s linear thinking: helping the man is a way to gain access to the refinery, and the precious fuel held within.

Once inside the refinery, we get to see the survivors up close, most notably the following characters:

• Papagallo - the leader

• The Warrior Woman

• The Feral Kid

We see a group close to breaking point: dissenting voices, bickering, medical aid being administered and fear mongering. As Papagallo questions Max, we see both the humanity and inhumanity of the world at play, and how Max treads the line between the two:

Max: “We had a deal. He said if I brought him back here, he’d give me some gas. There’s not much time.”

Refiner: “There was a woman in the car.”

Max: “She’s Dead.”

Refiner: “What did they do?”

Max: “It was quick. Look I just want my gas and I wanna get out of here.”

This terse exchange of information says a lot about the characters. As we see by the man’s reaction, the woman was someone dear to him, and her departure was a certain death sentence. That he still had hope for her shows a mentality that has no place in this world.

Max on the other hand, is much more pragmatic. His description of her death is not so much for consolation, but a way to bypass the usual human interaction and quickly get to the gasoline deal. Humanity still exists in the wasteland, though not in Max.

Beyond fueling his car, there is a deeper, unseen meaning to the gasoline which Max desires. He already went against his own methods in bringing the Gyrocaptain, but now he’s exposed himself to additional danger, his presence now known to a group of murderous bikers. Why would a loner put himself to such trouble for a few cans of gasoline?

The Warrior Woman takes Max to task for his proposed deal:

“Trading in human flesh, mercenary trash.”

It says a lot that Max doesn’t dispute this.

Papagallo closes the deal: “If you had a contract, it was with him, and it died with him.”

A man is as good as his word, unless he’s dead.

At this point we get a close look at Max’s V8. The envious group surrounds the car, leading to Max’s dog defending it. A brawl ensues, with Max protecting his pet.