A harried businessman (Dennis Weaver) is trying to make an appointment on time. Rushing along on an isolated highway, he passes a smog-addled semi-truck. That maneuver changes everything and a seemingly innocuous interaction becomes a dangerous game of road rage with a menacing big rig.
Duel is the television debut of one Steven Spielberg. I'll be honest. That was my only reason for seeing this. Obviously, this young man has talent. Despite its age, Duel is a remarkably well executed film--even it it was made for TV.
The screenplay, by Richard Matheson, is deceptively simple. But under Spielberg's direction, Duel is a vehicle of palpable tension and suspense. Ultimately, it's the tight editing and complete lack of back story... it's all so seemingly random. Combined with a lack of true dialogue save for Weaver's inner monologue and you all the makings of a fear-inducing masterpiece.
As I see it, Duel serves to scare the he** out of you. It's simple, brilliant story-telling that you must see. To think, this movie heralded the genius that would bring us Jaws, Schindler's List, and Indiana Jones.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Duel (1971)
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2 comments:
DUEL is a great film (a TV movie originally, I believe) -- it's been awhile since I've seen it though.
I really didn't expect to have as much fun as I did. Sure, it's aged. The guy drives a Valiant--we had one growing up, but the truck itself is ghastly. Love the reflection of the camera man in the phone booth scene. Classic.
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