15 Greatest Character Names In American Film History

5. Max Rockatansky ("Mad Max")

There was a time long before Hollywood turned its head against the former bankable star Mel Gibson. A time even further back than Gibson's entrance into worldwide fame via his appearances in the "Lethal Weapon"-series. This was also a time long before Australian director George Miller turned all family-friendly with his "Happy Feet"-films. The year was 1979, and the then 23-year old Gibson starred in Miller's excellent "Mad Max". "Mad Max" depicts a dystopic Australia in which what remains of civilised society is terrorized by the increasing amounts of gang violence; in particular by a berserk motorcycle gang led by the eccentric Nightrider. Max Rockatansky is a young police officer and expert pursuit man who comes into conflict with these criminals. This war becomes even more personal when Max's family is murdered by Nightrider's gang. Max is a classic anti-hero. A loner in the mold of Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson and Steve McQueen. He's not a verbal individual. Instead he expresses himself through his acts of violence and his high speeding-habits. This type of character deserves and requires a fitting name. Max is as a good name as any: short, easy to remember and it ends with an "x". And Rockatansky is a rockin' surname, no doubt about it.