“Tank Girl” is one of those films that defies categorization. Released in 1995, it is a cult classic with a fervent fan base, yet remains one of the most divisive and bizarre entries in the history of science fiction cinema. Based on the comics of the same name created by Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett, “Tank Girl” is a surreal, anarchic, and post-apocalyptic film that embraces its absurdity in ways that challenge traditional Hollywood norms. It’s a movie that occupies a strange space, blending action, comedy, satire, and punk aesthetics into a chaotic concoction that, even after decades, continues to intrigue and bewilder viewers.
This article explores the story, themes, and cultural significance of the film, while also diving into the history of its production and its place within the broader landscape of 1990s cinema.
The Setting: Post-Apocalyptic Australia
Set in the distant future, “Tank Girl” takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the Earth’s water supply has been monopolized by a sinister corporation, Water & Power (W&P), which controls the only remaining sources of fresh water. This water scarcity sets the stage for the main conflict of the movie, with Tank Girl—played by Lori Petty—leading a group of rebels to fight back against the oppressive corporation and its tyrannical leader, Kesslee (played by Malcolm McDowell).
The film’s setting is a barren wasteland, predominantly shot in the harsh desert landscapes of Australia. This setting is a visually striking backdrop, combining sand dunes, dystopian cities, and colorful urban decay. The lack of water and resources results in a world where the environment is as harsh as the characters who inhabit it. This environment plays into the anarchic tone of the movie, creating an exaggerated sense of chaos and destruction that the film thrives on.
Plot Summary: A Story of Rebellion and Absurdity
At its core, “Tank Girl” tells the story of a rebellious antihero who is determined to take on the forces of oppression and greed. The plot follows Tank Girl as she battles W&P, liberates her friends, and ultimately confronts the ruthless Kesslee.
The film opens with Tank Girl living a carefree life with her partner Jet Girl (played by Naomi Watts), a fellow rebel and mechanic. Together, they drive a tank—the signature vehicle that gives the film its title—across the wastelands, trying to survive. Tank Girl’s carefree attitude and punk rock personality make her an unusual protagonist in a genre dominated by stoic, heroic figures. She’s irreverent, foul-mouthed, and totally unwilling to conform to any kind of authority or social structure.
However, her life is upended when W&P, led by Kesslee, captures her and her group of rebels. Kesslee is obsessed with controlling the water supply and will stop at nothing to maintain his power. He forces Tank Girl and her allies into servitude, but Tank Girl’s defiant nature leads her to escape captivity and mount a rebellion against W&P.
The film’s most memorable moments occur when Tank Girl, aided by Jet Girl and a group of mutant kangaroos (a bizarre and unique addition to the film), fights back against the forces of W&P in spectacularly odd, humorous, and violent ways. The movie’s humor is often dark and absurd, using visual gags, surreal dream sequences, and satirical commentary on society’s greed, corruption, and obsession with control.
Tank Girl’s Aesthetic: Surrealism and Punk Rock Influences
What sets “Tank Girl” apart from other post-apocalyptic films of its time is its visual style and tone. The film is vibrantly colored, with a distinct comic book-inspired aesthetic that pays homage to its source material. The sets are deliberately exaggerated, and the costumes are an eclectic mix of punk fashion, military uniforms, and radical fashion choices. There is no attempt to ground the movie in realism—instead, it embraces the strange, fantastical nature of the comic book world, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and fun.
This aesthetic is heavily influenced by the 1990s grunge and punk rock scenes, with Tank Girl herself embodying the spirit of rebellion, defiance, and individualism. Her look—dye-splattered clothes, mohawk hairstyle, and sarcastic demeanor—captures the essence of the counterculture of the era. The film has an infectious energy, using its visuals to speak to the DIY spirit, challenging the clean, polished look of mainstream Hollywood cinema.
The surreal elements of the film are amplified by the animation sequences, which were designed to mimic the graphic novel style. These sequences break up the narrative, creating moments of whimsical absurdity. They also give the film a sense of being part of a larger dreamscape—where anything can happen, and often does. Whether it’s the scene where Tank Girl fights a giant, disembodied mutant head or the surreal moments involving the kangaroo mutants, the film’s visual quirks create a unique viewing experience that keeps audiences on their toes.
Themes of Feminism and Gender Politics
At its heart, “Tank Girl” is a feminist film, particularly in the way it challenges traditional gender roles within the action genre. Tank Girl herself is a stark contrast to the typical male action hero—she’s brash, sexually liberated, and completely in control of her destiny. Throughout the film, she resists being defined by her gender, often making fun of stereotypical femininity and rejecting traditional notions of what a woman should be.
In her relationships with other women, particularly with Jet Girl, there’s an undercurrent of female solidarity and empowerment. Tank Girl and Jet Girl’s camaraderie is central to the plot, with their bond evolving from one of necessity to genuine friendship. The film portrays women as capable of being both tough and vulnerable, which was a departure from the more one-dimensional female characters that often populated action films of the era.
In addition to its feminist themes, the film also critiques the patriarchal nature of the corporate world and its obsession with power. Kesslee, the villain, is a classic representation of the male, power-hungry oppressor, willing to exploit and destroy in his quest for domination. Tank Girl’s defiance and rebellion against him are symbolic of a larger resistance to the authority that seeks to control society, resources, and individuals.
The Role of the Mutant Kangaroos
One of the most unique and strange aspects of “Tank Girl” is the inclusion of the mutant kangaroos. These anthropomorphic kangaroos, which were part of a military experiment gone wrong, become Tank Girl’s unlikely allies in her battle against W&P. The kangaroos are a bizarre yet central part of the movie’s identity, combining elements of science fiction, fantasy, and absurd humor.
The kangaroos, who are equipped with human-level intelligence and a love for combat, serve as both comic relief and important plot devices. Their design, which includes muscular bodies, military gear, and a mix of pragmatic and outlandish personalities, adds a layer of absurdity to the movie’s already outrageous tone. Though the kangaroos’ appearance and behavior are outlandish, they also offer a form of liberation from the established order, paralleling Tank Girl’s own fight against the oppressive forces of W&P.
The kangaroos also provide a satirical commentary on genetic engineering and the abuse of scientific power, which ties into the larger theme of corporate overreach and exploitation. Though initially appearing as an odd diversion, they ultimately serve as a symbol of resistance and freedom.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Upon its release, “Tank Girl” was met with mixed reviews. Critics found the film’s stylistic choices and surreal humor either exhilarating or bewildering. The film was not a commercial success, but over time, it has garnered a cult following. Many viewers who initially felt alienated by its chaotic narrative and unconventional tone came to appreciate the film’s irreverence, punk ethos, and bold feminist themes.
“Tank Girl” has been recognized as a touchstone for feminist action films, and it has since been re-evaluated as a critical statement on the representation of women in genre cinema. In many ways, it anticipated the rise of more complex female protagonists in film, foreshadowing characters like Furiosa from Mad Max: Fury Road.
The Role of the Soundtrack
The soundtrack for “Tank Girl” is another key component of its punk rock identity. It features alternative rock bands and artists like Portishead, Bjork, and Veruca Salt, whose music perfectly complements the film’s anarchic, rebellious vibe. The soundtrack reflects the 1990s alternative scene, with its mix of grunge, trip-hop, and punk, and further solidifies the film’s place as a quintessential product of 1990s subculture.
Conclusion: A Cult Classic That Defied Expectations
In the years following its release, “Tank Girl” has become one of the most beloved cult films of the 1990s. Its boldness, eccentricity, and sense of humor make it a unique entry in the sci-fi genre, with an indelible place in pop culture. The film remains a testament to the power of individuality and a reminder that nonconformity can lead to artistic success.
Though it may not have been understood or appreciated by mainstream audiences upon release, “Tank Girl” continues to be celebrated as a work of feminist rebellion, surreal comedy, and punk rock sensibility, forever holding a place as one of the most unconventional and influential films of its time.
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