It seems that the decaying world of "Mad Max" was drawn from Miller's own personal memories of his childhood hometown.
The Grim Real-World Inspiration Behind The Mad Max Franchise
The 1979 original, "Mad Max," took place in a mid-apocalyptic world. There were still operational cars, still a working police force, and still remnants of civilization. Whatever cataclysm happened to create the world of "The Road Warrior" was still happening in "Mad Max." The world was merely in decay. It seems that the decaying world was drawn from Miller's own personal memories of his childhood hometown.
So much of Furiosa's character, personality, and backstory are effectively communicated through her incredible visual design. At one point, however, that could've turned out very differently.
"Mad Max" was an instant hit, even though Miller initially thought he had a disaster on his hands.
How could you possibly top the propulsive opening of “The Road Warrior?” You cast Tina Turner, and let the Queen of Rock and Roll do her royally spectacular thing.
Being the ever-so-humble filmmaker, George Miller would not take credit for how well the original film turned out.